PREVIEW: The Denver Nuggets arrive in Sacramento as the Western Conference's third seed with a dominant 7-2 record, anchored by elite defensive capabilities against three-point shooters and exceptional ball movement. Sacramento, meanwhile, sits at 3-7 and leans heavily on midrange scoring while struggling with rim defense and spacing issues on offense. The Nuggets defeated the Kings just last week 130-124 at home, with Nikola Jokic putting up 34 points, seven rebounds, and 14 assists. Denver's ranked passing efficiency and free-throw shooting prowess will test a Sacramento team that ranks last in three-point shooting frequency and among the league's worst in offensive rebounding. The Kings have surrendered at least 130 points in four of their last five contests and rank 27th in defensive efficiency overall. The absence of Domantas Sabonis due to a left ribcage injury could significantly impact Sacramento's ability to create opportunities, potentially opening doors for Russell Westbrook. Denver enters as an 8.5-point favorite with the over-under set at 242.5 total points. The Nuggets' four-game winning streak contrasts sharply with Sacramento's recent struggles, setting up a matchup between league-best offensive efficiency and defensive vulnerabilities.