The LA Clippers are gearing up to take on the Sacramento Kings on Friday at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. The game is set to tip-off at 10 p.m. ET and can be streamed on Prime Video. Currently, the Clippers hold a record of 23-27, while the Kings sit at 12-40. Earlier this season, the Clippers comfortably defeated the Kings 131-90 on December 30, marking their first meeting of the year.
The Clippers are coming off a tough loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where they were bested 124-91 as 2.5-point home underdogs. The team’s struggles deepened following the trade of guard James Harden to the Cavaliers and the departure of center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers. Star forward Kawhi Leonard managed to score 25 points, alongside 7 rebounds and 4 assists in that game, but without additional scoring support, the team has lost 3 out of their last 4 games.
On the other hand, the Kings are experiencing a rough patch with 10 consecutive losses, the latest being a narrow 129-125 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, during which center Domantas Sabonis scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while forward DeMar DeRozan contributed 20 points. The Kings have struggled against the spread as well, holding a record of just 2-8 during their lengthy losing streak.
As far as the odds go, BetMGM Sportsbook lists the Clippers as the favorites, with a moneyline of -185, meaning that a bet of $185 would be needed to win $100. The Kings are underdogs at +150, indicating that a $100 bet would yield $150 if successful. The spread is set at Clippers -3.5 and the over/under is at 222.5 points.
Injury reports indicate that the Clippers will be without guard Bradley Beal due to a hip issue, and they have additional concerns with guard Darius Garland and forward Isaiah Jackson, both pending trade. The Kings will be missing forward Keegan Murray due to an ankle injury and have an uncertain status for Sabonis, who is listed as questionable with a back issue.
Predictions for the matchup suggest a close game, with the Clippers expected to edge out the Kings, projected to win 115-109. While the Clippers are short-handed, the Kings’ current form leads some analysts to recommend a bet on Domantas Sabonis to achieve a double-double at -140. Additionally, given both teams’ defensive shortcomings, betting on the over at 222.5 points may also be a favorable option.
As both teams look for a turning point, fans can expect an intense showdown in Sacramento.