Phoenix-suns vs Sacramento Kings Picks and Predictions October 22nd 2025

Last Updated on

Sacramento Kings vs Phoenix Suns Betting Preview

The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns open their 2025-26 NBA seasons on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET, with live coverage available through ScoresAndStats.com.

Both teams enter the season with major roster overhauls. The Kings will be without Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray, while Phoenix begins a new era under coach Jordan Ott following the departures of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. The matchup highlights two franchises in transition — one rebuilding and one retooling.

sas logo

Access 100+ Handicappers in One Place

Maximize Your Edge, Every Day

Sacramento Kings Outlook

The Kings’ offseason signings reflect a renewed push to return to the postseason. Russell Westbrook, who joined after a stint in Denver, brings leadership and experience to a lineup that now includes veterans Dennis Schröder and Dario Šarić. Despite being short-handed, Sacramento’s frontcourt remains competitive thanks to Drew Eubanks and Isaac Jones filling in for the injured Sabonis.

In their recent win over the Lakers, Schröder led the team with 25 points and Keon Ellis added 20, demonstrating that the Kings can produce offensively without their full roster. Westbrook’s presence adds defensive pressure and tempo control — two elements coach Doug Christie hopes to lean on early in the season.

Sacramento’s goal is to stay competitive in the NBA Western Conference Odds & Predictions picture while integrating their new pieces. If the Kings can maintain composure on defense and limit turnovers, they could surprise the Suns.

Phoenix Suns Outlook

The Suns are entering the post-Kevin Durant era with optimism and a revamped core led by Devin Booker. After two disappointing seasons, Phoenix turned to new head coach Jordan Ott to reshape the team’s identity. Booker, who signed a two-year, $133 million extension, is now the centerpiece of the franchise and the lone returning starter from last season’s roster.

The new-look Suns, featuring Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, and Mark Williams, went 3-1 in the preseason, showing flashes of chemistry and defensive grit. Ott has emphasized adaptability and size across positions, echoing the modern NBA trend of positionless basketball.

Phoenix enters this matchup as one of the more intriguing teams in the NBA Pacific Division Odds & Predictions, with a strong blend of young talent and veterans capable of competing right away. If Booker sets the tone offensively and the team’s defense holds up, the Suns could start their season on a high note.

Line Movement and Odds

Current odds from ScoresAndStats NBA Picks:

  • Kings Spread: -4.0 (-111)
  • Suns Spread: +4.0 (-110)
  • Kings Moneyline: +149
  • Suns Moneyline: -177
  • Total: 228.5 (Over/Under)

These lines indicate early confidence in the Suns’ ability to handle their home opener, even with roster changes and Jalen Green’s absence..

Matchup Breakdown

Phoenix’s home-court advantage and Booker’s leadership provide the foundation for a strong opening night. The Suns’ perimeter defense, led by Dillon Brooks, could challenge Sacramento’s ball movement and limit their outside shooting.

For the Kings, the focus will be on controlling the pace and preventing fast breaks. Westbrook’s energy and experience can help offset the lack of interior scoring without Sabonis. Sacramento must also find reliable secondary scoring options beyond Schröder and LaVine to keep pace with Phoenix’s offensive rhythm.

Key Edge

Phoenix holds the edge in star power, depth, and defensive intensity. Booker’s ability to dictate tempo and create for others gives the Suns a reliable offensive structure, while Brooks’ defensive presence adds balance. Sacramento’s injuries and new rotations may cause early-season inconsistency that Phoenix can exploit.

Betting Trends

  • Phoenix is 5-2 straight-up in its last seven home openers.
  • Sacramento is 3-8 against the spread in its last 11 road games.
  • The total has gone under in four of Phoenix’s last six home games.
  • The total has gone over in five of Sacramento’s last seven matchups against Western Conference teams.

For more early-season context, check the NBA Championship Odds & Predictions to see how both teams stack up among Western contenders.

sas logo

Unlock 5,000+ Winning Picks Every Season

Bet Smarter, Across Every League

Prediction and Best Bets

Phoenix looks more composed entering the season opener. Despite missing Jalen Green, the Suns’ defense and veteran leadership should carry them past a short-handed Kings squad. Sacramento’s effort won’t be in question, but without Sabonis and Murray, their offense could struggle against Phoenix’s physical defense.

Projected Score: Suns 116, Kings 107
Best Bet: Suns -4.0
Secondary Lean: Under 228.5

Stay tuned for more NBA previews and expert betting analysis throughout the season, including full team insights for the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.