Before the Kings plummeted to eight consecutive losses, they were heading toward a potential breakout season and had a stretch in which they won seven of eight. That window started with a victory over the Knicks, who are worth fading when posted as a favorite until further notice. The Kings have the worst defense in the NBA, but that weakness is offset by New York's NBA-worst offense. The Kings took to the Nets to the wire in their last game and have found perhaps the steal of the draft in spark plug Tyrese Haliburton.

On Tuesday the Kings lost their eighth straight contest, falling to Brooklyn. Yet, they hung around the spread for the majority of the game until the waning minutes. Another positive was Harrison Barnes' return; he scored 18 points. Take the Kings in a buy-low spot on a small number against the Knicks.

Tom Thibodeau has done a nice job of turning the Knicks around. Defense has been their strength. New York is third in the NBA in points per possession allowed. The Knicks rank No. 1 in Defensive Effective Field Goal Percentage over the last 30 days. New York has been profitable at home, going 8-6-1 ATS. The Kings have lost eight consecutive games straight up and ATS. Sacramento is dead last in points per possession allowed.

The NBA’s No. 1 defense has helped the Knicks win and cover four of their last six games and they’ll be tested Thursday against the desperate Kings. They have looked like a pick-up squad of late with no defense, ever. They’re the worst defense in the NBA. The Kings have lost eight straight (0-8 ATS). I’m on the Knicks to cover at home.

Things are ugly right now for the Kings, who have lost eight straight games. They really haven’t been involved in many close contests either, with each defeat coming by at least eight points. The Knicks have an 8-7 record at home and are 4-3 ATS as home favorites. Look for them to extend Sacramento’s recent slide.

Could this be Luke Walton's last game as Kings coach? Sacramento is on an eight-game skid (0-8 ATS as well), and if it gets housed at the Garden it wouldn't be shocking if Walton is the second coach fired this week. Not that the Knicks are world-beaters, but they should be favored at home by a few more points than this even if starting point guard Elfrid Payton (doubtful) doesn't play. Frankly, Derrick Rose and rookie Immanuel Quickley should be playing more regardless. The Kings are without Hassan Whiteside in the COVID protocols. New York is 5-1 ATS in its past six as a home favorite.

The Knicks are third in defensive efficiency, while the Kings are dead last. Sacramento is on an 0-8 SU and ATS skid and I like New York to extend the Kings' misery. R.J. Barrett shot 1 of 9 against the Warriors, Immanuel Quickly 1 of 5; they should have a lot more success versus Sacramento. With Elfrid Payton doubtful due to a sore hamstring, Derrick Rose could start. Rose was plus-12 in the eight-point loss to Golden State, with eight assists and one turnover. Look for the Knicks to improve to 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a loss.