This is a pivotal matchup as the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are both 42-29 and fighting with the Phoenix Suns for the sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot.

Catch the game tomorrow at 10:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Dallas Mavericks (42-29, 20-14 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Luka Doncic
• Kyrie Irving
• Josh Green
• PJ Washington
• Daniel Gafford / Dereck Lively II

The Mavs improved to 8-1 in their last nine games on Tuesday after beating the Utah Jazz, 115-105. They are averaging 117.7 points per game and only allowing 107.0 on defense across that stretch.

As expected, the team’s two stars are carrying the group in the surge. In the aforementioned run, Luka Doncic is at 30.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 10.1 assists, and 1.6 steals, while Kyrie Irving is backing him up with 23.6 points, 6.2 dimes, and 1.4 steals.

Doncic, Irving, and the rest of the Mavs need all the momentum they can get as they are 0-2 vs. the Kings this season, losing by 15 and 16 points. With the regular season about to end, tomorrow’s also quite crucial in the standings.

Shooters Tim Hardaway Jr. and Josh Green, forward PJ Washington, and rookie big man Dereck Lively II will be helping out the star duo, but for now, Daniel Gafford probably has the best rhythm. The ex-Washington Wizard is chipping in 15.4 points, 8.4 boards, and 2.5 blocks on a superb 86.8% shooting in his last 10 games.

HOME: Sacramento Kings (42-29, 21-13 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• De’Aaron Fox
• Keon Ellis
• Harrison Barnes
• Keegan Murray
• Domantas Sabonis

The Kings are winners in four of their last five games, averaging 112.6 PPG and only giving up 102.0 on the other end. Their most recent victory was Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers, 106-98. Though only 18th in points allowed and 15th in defensive rating, Sactown is defense-town as of late as the squad has limited their opponents under the century mark four times in the last two weeks. For context, they previously had four from October 2023 all through the first week of March 2024.

De’Aaron Fox will look to continue being a thorn on the Mavs’ side. He scored 32 and 34 points in their two victories over the Mavs this season. But, of course, statsheet stuffer Domantas Sabonis won’t be outdone. He is on the heels of another triple-double, his 25th of the 23-24 campaign, also a league-high. In the process, he also achieved his 54th consecutive double-double, which, on the other hand, is the longest streak in NBA history. 

Keegan Murray and explosive Sixth Man Malik Monk, meanwhile, will remain as dangerous secondary weapons. Keon Ellis will likely keep his spot in the starting rotation as the defense he’s provided has helped the Kings immensely recently.

PREDICTIONS:

Handicap: The Kings (-1.5) win and cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes over 235.5