It’s a clash of two squads who have been winning a lot as of late. Who will retain its momentum?

Catch the game tomorrow at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Sacramento Kings (23-21, 10-9 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • De’Aaron Fox (day-to-day)
  • Malik Monk
  • DeMar DeRozan
  • Keegan Murray 
  • Domantas Sabonis

The Kings will be coming off a 132-123 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Things should still be mostly good, though, as it’s only their second loss in 11 games, a stretch where they score 122.3 points per game and only allow 114.9 on the other end.

The De’Aaron Fox-Domantas Sabonis-DeMar DeRozan trio is finally showing consistent flow together, and it’s being backed up by solid play from the supporting cast. Do note that Fox (25.4 PPG) is a game-time decision due to a thumb injury. Sabonis’s (21.0 PPG, 14.4 RPG 6.2 APG) stat-stuffing ways and DeRozan’s (21.9 PPG) mid-range prowess, high-scoring attack will be highlighted more if their co-star is unable to go. No. 4 and no. 5 scorers Malik Monk and Keegan Murray will be key as well, particularly the former, who has career-highs 17.6 PPG and 5.6 APG on the season and just posted three-consecutive 20-point games earlier this week.

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HOME: New York Knicks (29-16, 14-8 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Jalen Brunson
  • Mikal Bridges
  • Josh Hart
  • OG Anunoby
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks are quite competitive, but have been hot-and-cold over the past six weeks. After succeeding an nine-game winning streak with three-consecutive losses, they have gone 5-3 over their last eight games. They average 114.3 PPG  with a tight +2.5 point differential over that span.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau is continuing to field his feisty five, piling minutes after minutes, night in and night out. Jalen Brunson (26.0 PPG, 7.3 APG) and Karl-Anthony Towns (25.0 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 3.5 APG) lead the way as the playmaker and interior presence, respectively, and should be in a intriguing clash with their Kings counterparts.

The forwards will be similarly interesting as they look to contain DeRozan and Monk, among others. They’ll all present challenges as well as Mikal Bridges (17.9 PPG), OG Anunoby (16.0 PPG), and Josh Hart (14.0 PPG) are all hustle guys who can also provide offense when necessary. Hart, in particular, is hauling in 9.6 RPG at only 6’4.

PICKS:

Spread: Kings (+5.5)

Over/Under: Over (233.5)

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