Trail Blazers vs Kings

Portland’s recent 7–3 run, capped by back-to-back double-digit wins over Houston, Atlanta and the Lakers, makes the plus-money Trail Blazers intriguing despite flying into Sacramento on the second night of a back-to-back. With Deni Avdija carrying All-Star-level usage when healthy, and strong two-way support from Donovan Clingan and Jerami Grant, Portland’s ceiling is clearly higher than Sacramento’s, even if Avdija remains doubtful and Grant/Jrue Holiday carry question tags. The Kings counter with a four-game home winning streak behind Zach LaVine, Russell Westbrook’s recent scoring outburst, and Domantas Sabonis stabilizing the halfcourt offense, but they’re still just 12–30 overall with bottom-tier efficiency on both ends and have already dropped both meetings to Portland this season. Given the Blazers’ superior overall profile and 2–0 head-to-head mark this year, I like the value on Portland’s moneyline at +115, but the rest disadvantage and injury uncertainty keep this at a solid, not elite, B-grade recommendation. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 18/01/2026 09:46

Sacramento’s halfcourt-heavy attack, which has been one of the slowest offenses in pace over the last few games, and Portland’s road scoring dip both point toward the Under despite the perception of two bad defenses. Earlier meetings this season landed at 227 and 191 total points, and with Keegan Murray sidelined plus role wings like Keon Ellis banged up, the Kings lose shooting and length that normally help LaVine and Sabonis stretch the floor. On the other side, Portland leans heavily on Avdija to initiate, and if he’s out or limited while Grant and Holiday are less than 100 percent, the Blazers’ offense tends to grind more through Clingan post touches and late-clock creation from Shaedon Sharpe and Caleb Love, especially on tired legs in a back-to-back spot. Add in that both teams sit below league average in offensive efficiency this season, and I’m leaning Under 229.5 at -110 with a B- grade given the volatility if whistle-heavy, free-throw-driven games like Portland’s recent Laker win repeat. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 18/01/2026 09:46

Deni Avdija has already carved up this Kings roster once in Sacramento with a 24-point, 10-assist, 7-rebound line, and Portland has taken four of the last six in this matchup, including both games this season, which makes catching +2.5 attractive compared to the Kings’ modest home edge. Sacramento’s recent four-game home win streak is real, but it’s come against a soft slate while still posting one of the league’s worst defensive and rebounding profiles, leaving them vulnerable to Clingan’s size on the glass and Portland’s ability to generate free throws when Sharpe and Grant attack. With the Blazers sitting closer to the West play-in mix than the lottery-bound Kings, and owning better ATS form plus the clear recent head-to-head edge, getting a couple of points in what profiles as near a coin-flip game boosts the value enough for a B+ on Portland +2.5, even factoring in the back-to-back and injury questions. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 18/01/2026 09:46