Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Clippers have been on fire as they’ve reeled off 16 wins from their last 19 games. They will be eager to build on their current six-game win streak after blowing past the Rockets in a 134-117 home win on Wednesday. James Harden led the team with 35 points and 10 assists, Kawhi Leonard added 22 points with 10 rebounds and four assists, while Ivica Zubac talked a triple-double of 20 points with 11 rebounds and 10 assists. As a team, the Clippers shot 53 percent from the field and 19 of 37 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates with 71 points in the first half to take a double-digit lead. This was more than enough to hold off a late charge from the Rockets, who cut the lead to just six points at one stage.
Sacramento Kings Betting Preview
The Sacramento Kings have been in a rut as they’ve lost eight of their last 12 games overall, and they will be eager to bounce back here after getting beaten by the Nuggets in a 124-116 home defeat on Wednesday. Zach LaVine led the team with 27 points and 11 assists, DeMar DeRozan added 22 points while Keon Ellis chipped in with 20 points. As a team, the Kings shot 46 percent from the field and 16 of 36 from the 3-point line as they struggled to match the Nuggets’ starters. They fell behind by as many as 16 points before they finally started to heat up in the fourth quarter to make it interesting at the end.
Why the Sacramento Kings will win
- The Clippers have lost each of their last four games as road favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
- The home team has won each of the Clippers’ last five games.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in four of the last five games between the Clippers and Kings.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Clippers have won each of their last 10 night games against the Kings following a home win.
- The Kings have lost each of their last 10 games as home underdogs following a loss.
- The Clippers have covered the spread in each of their last seven road games against the Kings following a home win.
- The Kings have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games against Pacific Division opponents following a loss.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Kings rank 30th in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (38.2%).
- The Kings rank 29th in the league for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (14.6).
- The Clippers rank 1st in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (41.7).
- The Clippers rank 2nd in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (9.8).
Kings vs Clippers Prediction
The Clippers have ruled out Nicolas Batum again, and they have Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell both listed as questionable for this one, while the Kings are keeping an eye on Keegan Murray, who is questionable once again. These teams have already met three times this season, with the Clippers winning on each occasion. The Kings have struggled to get anything going over the past three weeks, and I really don’t see them suddenly clicking into here and taking down the Clippers, who have been on fire lately. The line is short enough, so I will stick with the surging Clippers to get the win and cover on the road in this spot.