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NBA League Pass game of the day: Kings at Heat (8:15 ET) from
NBA League Pass Game of the Day: Kings at Heat (8:15 ET)
Sacramento Kings (32-25) at Miami Heat (32-25)
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 | 8:15 p.m. ET | Miami, Fla. | FTX Arena
Two of the hottest teams in the NBA will face off on Wednesday night when the Sacramento Kings travel to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat.
Both teams come into the game having won four of their last five, and they are both currently in the thick of the playoff race in their respective conferences.
The Kings are currently in sixth place in the Western Conference, just 1.5 games behind the fourth-place Utah Jazz. The Heat, meanwhile, are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, just 1.0 game behind the sixth-place Toronto Raptors.
Wednesday's game is a big one for both teams, and it could have a major impact on the playoff race in both conferences.
Key Matchups
* Domantas Sabonis vs. Bam Adebayo: This is a matchup of two of the best young big men in the NBA. Sabonis is averaging 18.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game this season, while Adebayo is averaging 21.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
* De'Aaron Fox vs. Kyle Lowery: Fox is one of the most exciting young guards in the NBA, and he is averaging 24.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season. Lowery is a veteran point guard who is known for his all-around game, and he is averaging 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season.
* Harrison Barnes vs. Jimmy Butler: Barnes is a versatile forward who can score, rebound, and defend, and he is averaging 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season. Butler is a two-time All-Star who is known for his tough defense and clutch play, and he is averaging 21.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game this season.
X-Factors
* Heat's home-court advantage: The Heat have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA, and they are 17-9 at FTX Arena this season.
* Kings' recent road success: The Kings have won four of their last five road games, and they are 15-12 on the road this season.
* Health of both teams: Both teams are relatively healthy, but the Kings will be without Richaun Holmes (personal reasons) and the Heat will be without Tyler Herro (ankle).
Prediction
This is a tough game to predict, but I think the Heat will win at home. They have a slight edge in talent, and they are playing in front of their home crowd. The Kings are a good team, but I think the Heat will be too much for them on Wednesday night.
