The Miami Heat will face the Sacramento Kings on February 26 (Monday) at Golden 1 Center. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with the Heat winning the first game 115-106 on January 31. They hold the all-time lead against the Kings, 46-24. Jimmy Butler scored 31 points, seven rebounds, six assists and one steal for Miami’s win in the most recent matchup. Keegan Murray scored 33 points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal for Sacramento.
Preview
Miami Heat is currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 31-25 record. They have won three games in a row and the most recent one came against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The Kings are fifth in the Western Conference and are on a three-game winning streak. They recently defeated the LA Clippers 123-107 on Sunday. Since Sacramento will be playing back-to-back, they need to make sure fatigue doesn’t become a factor.
Starting lineup
Jimmy Butler was suspended for one game for inciting a brawl on the court during the Heat vs. Pelicans game. Thomas Bryant received a three-game suspension for fighting and leaving the bench area, while Nikola Jokic also received a one-game suspension for leaving the bench area and entering a brawl. The Heat will also be without Josh Richardson and Dru Smith. Tyler Herro, Orlando Robinson and Terry Rozier are questionable. Miami will most likely start with Delon Wright, Duncan Robinson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Caleb Martin and Bam Adebayo.
The Kings will be without Alex Len and Sasha Vezenkov in the upcoming contest. They will most probably start with De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis.
Betting tips & Prediction
Bam Adebayo has an over/under of 21.5 points for the game. With Butler suspended and Herro questionable, Adebayo will need to lead the offensive attack for the Heat and can finish the night with more than 21.5 points.
Fox has an over/under of 24.5 points. It will be difficult for an injury-plagued Miami to guard him. “Swipa” can finish the game with more than 24.5 points.
Also Read: Ranking The NBA Point Guards for 2023–2024
The Kings are favored to win at home. This is due to their current record and Miami’s roster depth due to major suspensions and injuries. Sacramento must cover the spread to win. The Heat should have difficulty stopping many of the Kings’ offensive players and the game total should exceed 226.5 points.
