NBA Christmas Day preview
From Thunder–Spurs to Wolves–Nuggets and Knicks–Cavs, which NBA Christmas Day matchup are you most looking forward to?
The Sacramento Kings reminded everyone that the beam still works.
Despite its rare appearances this season, the Kings lit the victory beam, a ritual that began in 2022, following their dramatic Sunday win, 125-124, in overtime against the Houston Rockets.
The Kings (7-22) look to capitalize on that momentum when they host the Detroit Pistons (23-6) Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
Sacramento leaned on its point guards, Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schröder, in the Sunday win versus Houston. Westbrook, who had 21 points and 13 rebounds, tied the game with 13 seconds left in regulation by cashing a right-corner three-pointer.
With the Kings down by two in the final seconds of overtime, DeMar DeRozan, who had a team-high 27 points, drove to the lane and kicked the ball out to Schröder in the left corner, who netted a go-ahead three with 2.2 seconds left. The reserve guard scored 24 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.
Here’s what you need to know about Tuesday’s matchup between the Kings and Pistons.
Kings keys to victoryKeep up the defensive intensity. The Pistons are a physical team, and Sacramento needs to bring its grit.Continue to feed off the energy of ‘The Sixth Man’, which is all of the fans who passionately cheer for Sacramento at the Golden 1 Center. Be active. Run the floor.Bench production: Schröder is coming off a near triple-double off the bench. Other reserves also have to step up when their name is called.Limit second-chance opportunities. Rebound the ball and end the defensive possession.Kings injury reportDoug McDermott: Left knee soreness, expected to return on Dec. 23.Devin Carter: Left Ankle Sprain, expected to return on Dec. 23.Zach LaVine: Left ankle sprain, expected to return on Dec. 27.Domantas Sabonis: Left knee soreness, expected to return on Jan. 1.Drew Eubanks: Left thumb avulsion fracture, expected to return on Feb. 1.Pistons injury reportRonald Holland II: Left knee soreness, expected to return on Dec. 23.Isaac Jones: Left knee sprain, day-to-day, assigned to G-League on Dec. 20.How to watchStart time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)Location: Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, California)TV Channel: NBC Sports California; FanDuel Sports Network Detroit; FanDuel Sports Network IndianaLive stream: NBA League PassKings vs. Pistons odds
Odds according to BetMGM as of Tuesday morning.
Spread: Pistons by 8.5 (-115)Over/Under: 227.5 (O/U -110)Moneyline: Pistons -425Kings next five games