Wounds of kings:
-
DeMar DeRozan out
-
Malik Monk released
Injuries caused by lawn mowers:
-
Bogdan Bogdanovic absent
-
Bradley Beal out
Distribution of matches
The Clippers are in Sacramento for this game as they continue to figure out all the new moving pieces. After a pretty aggressive offseason that saw them trade Norman Powell to bring in Bradley Beal, John Collins, Brook Lopez and Chris Paul, this team is different. They now have some legitimate depth and added size with Collins. Overall, this summer’s moves have put the Clippers in the mix. The only problem with this team is age. This list is older than teams like the Thunder or Rockets. They will be led by several players in their mid to late 30s. Still, with this much talent, a great head coach, and a solid defensive backbone, this team should be scary all year long.
The Kings, on the other hand, have had a relatively quiet offseason. After trading Fox last season in a deal that got them Zach LaVine, this team seems a bit stagnant. Last season ended with them being kicked out of the play-in, and that seems to be the pinnacle of this team’s potential. They have some promising young players like Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis, but this year the focus will be on the veterans. On paper, this team should be fine, with Sabonis, Monk, DeRozan, LaVine and starting today, Westbrook, but will everything fall into place? We’ve seen this team be feisty on offense, but their defense seems to be their Achilles heel. This roster just doesn’t have a lot 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 continues to grow and exploit the position more, finding wouldn’t be enough.
Overall, this match is going to be interesting, but there is a clear favorite here. The Clippers are simply the most versatile team with the best 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 will need to maintain their offensive efficiency to make up for the disparity on defense. However, I’m confident the Clippers can keep pace with the Kings and win this one. This is why I’m going with the Clippers moneyline, above the total of 227.5 points, and the Clippers at -3.5.
Betting Lines (DraftKings)
Moneyline prediction: Clippers win
Total Points Prediction: Over 227.5
Spread prediction: Clippers -3.5
Best Bets on Accessories
Ivica Zubac 7+ Rebounds (+113)
Despite all the changes made to the Clippers this offseason, one thing remains true: Zubac grabs the boards. He’s been vital to the team’s rebounding for years now, as he’s become a double-double machine. Considering he pulled down 10 rebounds despite only playing 23 minutes against the Nuggets in their last preseason game, he has a good chance of getting at least 7 rebounds against the Kings. Especially with the positive odds, Zubac remains one of the most reliable rebounders in the league.
Zach LaVine +15 Points (+111)
With Monk and DeRozan out tonight, expect LaVine to increase his shooting numbers. Even with minutes still limited, he should be within reach of 15 points. He was one of the Kings’ most efficient scorers, shooting 50 percent 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 increase as they take on the Clippers tonight.
James Harden 7+ Assist (+126)
Harden was a machine last year moving the ball. He was a constant 10-assist threat every night. He had 11 assists in just 24 minutes in their last game. With the additions they 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 still within Harden’s reach tonight against a weak Sacramento defense.
