Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics: Match Preview and Predictions - 25th November 2019
Match Details
Fixture: Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics
Date & Time: Monday, 25th November 2019 (7:30 PM ET)
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Last Game Results
Sacramento Kings (7-8): 113-106 win over the Washington Wizards (24th November)
Boston Celtics (11-4): 92-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets (22nd November)
Sacramento Kings Preview
The Sacramento Kings started the season in abysmal form, but performances have improved over the past two weeks, with Luke Walton's team picking up wins over the likes of the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns. The Kings also defeated the Boston Celtics last Sunday in what was their best performance of the season so far.
Sacramento picked up an impressive win over the Washington Wizards last night, but will enter their clash against the Celtics without the injured Marvin Bagley once again. While they have generally defended well over their last five outings, offense remains a concern as only three other teams are averaging fewer points per game.
Key Player - Buddy Hield
In Sacramento's surprise win over the Celtics last week, Buddy Hield dropped a season-high 35 points on 7-12 shooting from 3-point range. At 26, the shooting guard is entering his prime, and his performances will be key if the Kings are to challenge for a playoff spot.
Kings Predicted Lineup:
Richaun Holmes, Nemanja Bjelica, Cory Joseph, Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield
Boston Celtics Preview
Boston's 10-game winning streak was only snapped a week ago, although it seems to be in the distant past following a tough week for the Celtics. Brad Stevens' team has suffered consecutive narrow defeats to the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets, and Kemba Walker is expected to miss tonight's game after suffering a serious neck injury against the Nuggets.
Despite a tough week, the Celtics have still made an 11-4 start to the season, and only five teams boast a better defense. The Celtics have also yet to lose on their own court, and Stevens will be confident that his side can get back on track tonight.
Key Player - Jayson Tatum
Following a somewhat disappointing second year in the NBA, Jayson Tatum has excelled so far this season. Through 15 games, Tatum is averaging 20.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game and the 21-year-old dropped a season-high 30 points on the LA Clippers last week.
Celtics Predicted Lineup:
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Daniel Theis, Marcus Smart, Brad Wanamaker
Kings vs Celtics Match Prediction
The Celtics will be impacted by the absences of Gordon Hayward and Walker, but they have been excellent at TD Garden this season, while the Kings have struggled on the road. Additionally, Sacramento are playing for a second straight night, meaning fatigue could be a factor, enabling the Celtics to come away with the win.
Where to Watch Kings vs Celtics?
There will be local coverage of the game on NBC Sports Boston and NBC Sports California from 7:30 PM ET. You can also live stream the game via NBA League Pass.