DeMar DeRozan Out
Malik Monk Out
Bogdan Bogdanovic Out
Bradley Beal Out
The Clippers are in Sacramento for this game as they continue to figure out all the new moving pieces. After a fairly aggressive off-season that saw them trade Norman Powell to bring in Bradley Beal, John Collins, Brook Lopez, and Chris Paul, this team looks different. They now have some legit depth and added size with Collins. Overall, the moves this summer put the Clippers right in the mix. The only issue with this team is age. This roster is older compared to teams like the Thunder or Rockets. They’ll be led by multiple players in their mid to late thirties. Still, with so much talent, an excellent head coach, and a strong defensive backbone, this team should be scary all year.
The Kings, on the other hand, had a relatively quiet off-season. After they traded Fox last season in a deal that brought them Zach LaVine, this team looks a bit stagnant. Last season ended with them being bounced out of the play-in, and that seems to be the peak of this team’s potential. They have a few promising young players like Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis, but this year it’s going to be about the veterans. On paper, this team should be okay, with Sabonis, Monk, DeRozan, LaVine, and as of today, Westbrook, but will it all come together? We’ve seen this team be feisty on offense, but their defense appears to be their Achilles' heel. This roster just doesn’t have much in the way of pure defensive grit. Their best defender is probably Ellis, a third-year undrafted player. Sabonis has been solid defensively, but in a conference that only continues to grow bigger and leverage the post more, simply find wouldn’t be enough.
Overall, this matchup is going to be interesting, but there is clearly a favorite here. The Clippers are just the more versatile team with better talent. They have superior defenders at most positions, a deeper bench, and better stars. It’s not that the Kings can’t compete, but they’ll need to maintain their offensive efficiency to make up for the disparity on defense. However, I’m confident that the Clippers can keep pace with the Kings and win this one. That’s why I’m going with the Clippers moneyline, the over on the 227.5 point total, and the Clippers at -3.5.
Money line: LAC (-162) / SAC (+136)
Total Points: 227.5
Spread: -3.5 LAC (-110) / +3.5 SAC (-110)
Despite all the changes to the Clippers this offseason, one thing remains true: Zubac grabbing boards. He’s been essential in the team’s rebounding for years now, as he’s turned into a double-double machine. Considering he had 10 boards while playing only 23 minutes against the Nuggets in their last preseason game, he has a strong chance to secure at least 7 rebounds against the Kings. Especially with plus odds attached, Zubac remains one of the most dependable rebounders in the league.
With Monk and DeRozan out tonight, expect LaVine to increase his shooting numbers. Even with limited minutes again, he should be within reach of 15 points. He’s been one of the most efficient scorers on the Kings, shooting 50% from the field last season. In his 25 minutes against Portland last game, LaVine went 7-11 for 19 points, sharing the court with DeRozan. Expect those numbers to only rise as they face the Clippers tonight.
Harden was a machine last year at moving the ball. He was a consistent 10-assist threat every single night. He had 11 assists in just 24 minutes in their last game. With the additions they’ve made to this roster, Harden should easily find his man. Especially around the rim after adding John Collins next to Ivica Zubac. Seven assists are well within reach for Harden again tonight against a weak Sacramento defense.