The Toronto Raptors (44-18), the NBA’s top scoring defense, will challenge the Sacramento Kings (28-35) at Golden 1 Center. Toronto opened as a 5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 227 points. Action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 8, 2020, and it can be seen on NBATV.

Toronto Raptors vs. Sacramento Kings ATS Preview

The last time the Raptors played, they defeated the Golden State Warriors, 121-113, but failed to cover as 9-point favorites. With 26 points, 10 assists and five rebounds, Toronto’s Kyle Lowry played well. Toronto played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.202) and a turnover percentage of 10.1 (better than their season average of 12.2). For those same stats, Golden State put up marks of 0.194 and 12.1, respectively. The two teams combined to put up 234 points, which came in over the O/U total of 228.5.

The Kings hope to maintain momentum after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in their last contest, 123-111, as 5.5-point underdogs. Sacramento was lifted by Bogdan Bogdanovic, who was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Sacramento dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.235 (above their season average of 0.176) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.2 (above their season average of 21.7). Portland was 0.191 and 21.7, respectively, for those same stats. The two teams combined to put up 234 points, which was well over the O/U total of 219.

Sacramento might struggle to put up points as they go head-to-head against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Toronto ranks second in defensive efficiency while the Kings rank 19th in offensive efficiency.

Of Toronto’s 62 games, 33 have finished over the projected point total, while 32 of Sacramento’s 62 games have finished over the O/U total. The Raptors have the substantial advantage straight up (SU) (44-18 vs. 28-35), but both teams have comparable against the spread (ATS) records. Toronto is 33-28-1 ATS, while Sacramento is 32-30 ATS.

These two teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined for 244 points, well over the projected point total of 219. The Raptors won 124-120, but were unable to cover as 8-point favorites. Toronto was successful at getting and making free throws. The Raptors made 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent), while the Kings were 16-21 (76.2 percent). Pascal Siakam recorded a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds.

Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings ATS Prediction

Pick: SU Winner – Kings, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Over

Notes

Betting Notes:

The Raptors average 8.8 steals per game, which ranks second in the league. The Kings rank 18th in steals allowed per game (7.8).

Toronto ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.9) while Sacramento ranks 11th (46.6).

Toronto ranks 13th in rebounds per game (45.2) while Sacramento ranks 26th (42.4).

Toronto is 15-14-1 ATS on the road with 15 overs, 14 unders and 1 push.

At home, Sacramento is 12-18 ATS with 16 overs and 14 unders.

Sacramento is 10-2 when they allow less than 100 points, while Toronto is 14-4.

When reaching the century mark, the Kings are 26-28 and the Raptors are 42-10.

The Kings rank 14th in assists allowed per game (24.5) while the Raptors rank 26th (25.7).

Sacramento ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.8) while Toronto ranks 26th (14.0).

The Kings average 34.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. The Raptors rank last in three pointers allowed per game (38.5).

The Raptors rank second in points off turnovers per game (19.9) while the Kings rank ninth (17.3).

Toronto ranks first in fast break points per game (19.4) while Sacramento ranks 18th (12.9).

Bettings Trends:

Sacramento is 3-2 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push in its last five games.

Over its last five games, Toronto is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.

The Kings have outscored opponents by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Sacramento has been defeated by an average of 1.9 points.

During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 111.0 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 113.4 points per game (6.7 above their season average).