The Sports Mall previews Friday's NBA preseason showdown between the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings, including predictions, team news and a form guide.
The Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings Complete their preparation for the 2024-25 NBA regular season when they face off in their final warm-up game on Friday.
Although the hosts set out in search of a fourth win on the bounce, it has been a forgettable pre-season campaign for the Kings, who will be looking to snap a four-match losing streak and lift their spirits ahead of the season opener.
Competition preview
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The Los Angeles Clippers continued to gather momentum early in the regular season as they cruised to a dominant 110-96 win over the Dallas Mavericks at the Intuit Dome on Tuesday.
Playing their first game in their new arena in Inglewood, the Clippers showed class on both ends of the court, led by Kevin Porter Jr. with 36 fast-break points and 39 points off Dallas' turnovers.
Six players finished with double-digit points, incl James Harden10 from 25% field goal shooting, Porter has staked his claim for a more significant role as he has dropped 18 points this season, leading the Clippers offense.
Since opening the preseason with a narrow 91-90 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 6, they were undone by a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Lindy Waters, Tyrone Lue's men have now won three games on the bounce, scoring at least 100 points in three outings.
With floor general Kawhi Leonard Not yet featured in the preseason and ruled out for the foreseeable future, L.A. seems to have redoubled defensive efforts as they've held three of their four opponents under 100 points thus far.
Before opening the regular season campaign with a showdown against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 24, the Clippers will take on an opponent that has won each of their two clashes this year with a 123-107 victory in LA. and again in February before picking up a 109-95 win on April 3.
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For the Sacramento Kings, their rough streak from the preseason continued on Wednesday as the two sides locked horns at the Delta Center, falling 117-114 against the Utah Jazz.
Head coach Mike Brown His starters had no minutes restriction for the first time in the preseason, but Keont George scored 24 points, while Larry Markkanen finished with 21, giving the Jazz a hard-fought victory and taking their record to 4-1.
Domantas SabonisThe three-time All-Star finished with a 29-point, 17-rebound double-double with eight assists and had a solid performance for the Kings. De'Aaron Fox And Keegan Murray Made solid changes to the offense.
While Sacramento is expected to make a deep run this season, Wednesday's loss will leave the Browns scratching their heads as they have now lost each of their four practice games, four on the bounce for the first time since January.
With just one exhibition game remaining, the Kings will be desperate to get back on track and build confidence before the season curtain raiser against the Minnesota Timberwolves in California on Oct. 25.
Los Angeles Clippers Preseason Form:
Los Angeles Clippers Form (All Matches):
Sacramento Kings Format:
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Group messages
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The absence of Kawhi Leonard is the biggest sticking point for the Los Angeles Clippers heading into the regular season, as the 33-year-old continues his lengthy spell after suffering a knee injury in April.
Mo Bamba Also dealing with a knee problem, but the former Los Angeles Lakers center is expected to be available for the season curtain-raiser against the Phoenix Suns.
Nineteen years old Flowers of Trent He missed the first two weeks of the preseason after wrist surgery, and the rookie, who joined the Clippers as a free agent in June, is doubtful for Friday's game.
The Sacramento Kings starters were handed significant minutes for the first time this season against the Utah Jazz, and we expect the same from Brown in the Intuit Dome as he gets his core players up to full speed.
On the injury front, the Kings are without services Trey Lyles and the watchman Devin CarterDischarged with hip and shoulder injuries respectively.
Kevin Huerder He missed the game against the Jazz with a shoulder problem Orlando Robinson He is doubtful to return with a knee injury.
Los Angeles Clippers Top 5 Possible:
Horton, Powell, Zubach, Porter, Jones
Sacramento Kings 5th Chance:
Fox, Ellis, Sabonis, Murray, DeRozan
We say: The Los Angeles Clippers should win by 7+ points.
Although the Sacramento Kings have lost each of their four games in the preseason, these results are somewhat misleading and we expect them to put up a tough challenge against their hosts.
The Los Angeles Clippers have made it three wins since their narrow loss against the Warriors a fortnight ago and we're backing them to end their pre-season campaign on a positive note.
