LA Clippers vs Sacramento Kings: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (3/3/23)
Contents
After finishing as the second highest scoring game in NBA history in their previous game, the LA Clippers and Sacramento Kings battle it out once again. The identities on the court may take a drastic change as the injury report is filled with question marks heading into this one. Especially on the Clippers end, already announcing Kawhi Leonard out for load management. With Kawhi’s defensive prowess out, the Kings will be poised to run away with this one.
LA Clippers vs Sacramento Kings Betting Odds
Oddsmakers initially had this as a somewhat tight contest, opening the Clippers as a +3 underdog while on the road. With Kawhi’s questionable status officially being confirmed as out, the Clippers odds have now dipped to +6 as of writing. Bettors initially hammered the Kings after the news, taking them to -6.5 in some shops. That number has since dipped back down as their star player De’Aaron Fox has now been listed as questionable.
As for the total, points are expected to be scored at a blistering pace as oddsmakers opened the number at 240.5. Bettors believe we won’t see the same type of action as the initial contest, taking the under down to 239.5. With Kawhi’s defensive abilities missing for the Clippers, points may be easier to come by for the Kings. Yet without De’Aaron Fox, the offensive flow may be discombobulated as they will be without their main playmaker. This is a pass for me as well.
LA Clippers vs Sacramento Kings Prediction
The Pick: Pass for now, too much injury report uncertainty
Until we get more confirmation on the injury report, this game is currently a pass for me as I can not in good faith get an actionable read on how each other’s new identities would battle it out. This is not a confirmed pass for me just yet as I will continue to monitor the injury report. Should De’Aaron Fox be able to give it a go, I will put the Kings in a two team moneyline parlay. Other possible options to tie them in with as of now are the Nuggets, Hawks, and Knicks.
This has been a popular style of bet for me as it eliminates the wild swings of variance NBA games have been facing this season due to wild stretches of play. I believe the Kings will pull it out, especially if the Clippers lose some more key pieces like Ivica Zubac, yet negate the potential back door opportunity as LA still possesses some impressive offensive depth. It has still been undecided who will fill in for Kawhi in the starting lineup.
Without Zubac, the Clippers interior defense takes a hit as this opens up the possibility for high quality looks at the rim. This unit has been reeling on the defensive end, once ranking top-5 in Defensive Efficiency and now creeping down to the middle of the pact per TeamRankings. The Clippers are still dealing with identity changes, especially in bench minutes. As if this is the new norm for LA or just a bump in the road, that has remained to be seen.
Betting Trends
- Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Sacramento
- Clippers are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings in Sacramento
- Clippers are 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings overall
Key Matchups
Can the Kings find defensive success against the Clippers?
Paul George vs Kings perimeter defense
Defense was optional for both of these teams in their initial matchup, combining for the second highest scoring game in NBA history. Not only in their last contest, but for the course of the season on the Kings end.
A brunt of the defensive issues for the Kings has been their inability to cover the open man, allowing quality looks from all over the court. They currently rank 27th in Opponent Effective Field Goal Percentage by allowing 56.1% per TeamRankings.
Without Leonard, and getting the privilege to leave Russell Westbrook wide open, the Kings can afford to throw extra defensive attention to Paul George. By taking him out of the equation, the Clippers offense will be poised to stall out.
Verdict
Until we get confirmation on De’Aaron Fox’s injury status, this is a pass for me for now.
LA Clippers Starting Lineup
PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Paul George
PF: Marcus Morris Sr
C: Ivica Zubac
Sacramento Kings Starting Lineups
PG: De’Aaron Fox
SG: Kevin Huerter
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Keegan Murray
C: Domantas Sabonis
Key Injuries
LA Clippers Injuries: Kawhi Leonard (O), Normal Powell (Q), Marcus Morris Sr (Q), Ivica Zubac (Q)
Sacramento Kings Injuries: De’Aaron Fox (Q), Richaun Holmes (Q)
