Kings at Suns 10/23/19 - NBA Picks & Predictions

On Wednesday, the Sacramento Kings head to the desert southwest and Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona to play the Phoenix Suns. The Kings have a new coach in Luke Walton and look to make a big step forward to contend for a playoff berth. De’Aaron Fox is the key player for the Kings, but Sacramento gave Harrison Barnes a huge extension while signing  Cory Joseph and Trevor Ariza. The Kings will continue with an up-tempo offense.

Buddy Hield returns and will be a catalyst with Fox in running the floor alongside Marvin Bagley III and Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Kings need to lock in Hield to an extension prior to the trade deadline or could lose him to a trade. If that were to happen, or if Hield stays and does not re-sign, one of the top scorers for Sacramento could become disgruntled and that could ruin team chemistry.

Phoenix has a new coach in Monty Williams who want the Suns to pass, drive and shot fast. The Suns have filled their hole at point by signing Ricky Rubio but gave up Josh Jackson a former No. 4 overall. Jackson went to Memphis as did De’Anthony Melton. T.J. Warren was also sent packing to Indiana. The Suns have added Daro Saric, Cheick Diallo, Aron Baynes, and Frank Kaminsky. Phoenix drafted Ty Jerome and Cameron Johnson. 

A big decision taken by the Suns was re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr. to a new deal. The Suns won 19 games last season and have not won over 24 since 2014-15. The key to the Suns winning will be how Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre Jr. mesh with top players Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. Booker and Ayton are the foundation for a solid future, but the key will be the remainder of the pieces Williams has put together.