Upset-minded Sacramento draws Cleveland
Kings center DeMarcus Cousins has registered a double-double in each of his five career home contests against the Cavaliers. Will that success continue tonight?
Dave Joerger’s team tackles the reigning champs at 10:30 p.m. ET, with handicappers forecasting a runaway. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives Cleveland odds of -255 to snap a two-game losing skid. Sacramento, on the other hand, embodies a +215 underdog.
On Wednesday, the Cavs absorbed a 102-86 loss to Portland. LeBron James & Co. shot only 34 percent and generally looked out of sync on the second stop of a West Coast swing. Kyrie Irving and Kyle Korver were particularly ineffective, combining to go 5-of-21 from the field.
On the flip side, the Kings remain stoked following their 100-94 win over Detroit. With Cousins leading the charge, Sacramento outscored the Pistons 32-17 in the fourth quarter. The Kentucky product could face a rockier path this evening, though, as Cavaliers pivotman Tristan Thompson boasts three consecutive outings with 10-plus rebounds.
NBA Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
Despite Cleveland’s recent slump, coach Tyronn Lue’s not about to go into convulsions. Neither are we, largely because the host club’s meandering defense should allow James, Irving and Kevin Love countless opportunities to wreak havoc. Expect a double-digit triumph in favor of the Eastern Conference’s top dog.
FRIDAY NBA FREE PICK: CAVALIERS -6.5