Miami Heat - Sacramento Kings predictions and free betting tips [01/02/2024]

The Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat will lock horns on Thursday morning at the Kaseya Center.

Miami Heat

The Heat, who reached the NBA finals last year, are enduring tough times. They are hoping to halt their longest losing streak since 2007-2008, comprising of 7 games, following their most recent defeat to the Phoenix Suns with a score of 105:118 on Tuesday. In this match, Jimmy Butler chalked up 26 points, while Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro added a combined 38 points. However, the Heat demonstrated a low shooting percentage from the field (39%) and from beyond the arc (14 out of 36). On court, Miami trailed by 13 points, and by the third quarter, their deficit had balloined to 28 points.

Heat's head coach and two-time NBA champion Eric Spoelstra is facing the most challenging period of his career. He emphasised that overcoming these hurdles will require intensified resolve and toughness. Despite the absence of significant injuries, apart from rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. and forward Duncan Robinson, who is suffering from a concussion, the Heat are encountering serious challenges. Over the next two weeks, they face tough matchups, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics, presenting additional challenges for Miami.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are in fine form, striving for their fifth consecutive win after a successful match against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday with a score of 103:94. In this game, the team performed superbly, thanks to leading players: De'Aaron Fox chalked up 23 points, Domantas Sabonis contributed 20 points and gathered 26 rebounds, and Kevin Huerter added 17 points. The Kings displayed a high field goal percentage (51%) and successfully converted 11 out of 38 three-point shots. Despite trailing by 15 points in the first quarter, the team managed to regroup and dominate the rest of the game, clinching a victory.

Last season, the Kings showed significant progress, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2005-2006 and put up a fierce fight against the Golden State Warriors. Point guard De'Aaron Fox, a first-time All-Star game participant, has set career heights in points and steals this season. The team also features center Domantas Sabonis, a three-time All-Star game participant and NBA rebounding leader, along with Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray. The Kings also have a strong bench, spearheaded by Malik Monk. In the upcoming games, the Kings are set to face the Pacers and the Bulls.

Prediction for the match Miami Heat - Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings are inconsistent this season, but currently ride a 5-game winning streak. This contrasts with the current situation in Miami Heat, who are going through their worst phase of the season. Miami is struggling with the absence of Duncan Robinson and recently suffered their 7th straight loss, falling to Phoenix. My bet is on the Kings to clinify victory.