The Kings are 0-2 so far this season on the second night of a back to back, and both losses were pretty bad. In fact, the last one came against the very team they are playing tonight, the L.A. Clippers, just a couple of weeks ago in Sacramento. Tonight at least the Clippers are on the second night of a back to back themselves, and the Kings also are a bit healthier as Keegan Murray wasn’t available for the last matchup.
Let’s talk Kings basketball!
When: Tuesday, December 12th, 7:30 PM PT
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Three in the Key
Repeat Offenders
The Kings have a very weird statistic this season of losing to the same team multiple times. In fact, of their eight losses on the season so far, seven of them have come to just three teams: the Warriors (2x), Rockets (2x) and Pelicans (3x). The Clippers are the only team that’s beaten them just once, but if the Kings lose tonight that makes it yet another team that they’ve lost to multiple times. Given this is a divisional matchup it’s even more important for the Kings. Sacramento is currently 4-3 in Division matchups this season.
Keegan Murray
One of the biggest differences for the Kings coming into tonight’s matchup against the Clippers compared to last time is the addition of Keegan Murray. Murray has become Sacramento’s go-to defender for the opposition’s best player, and he brings a more well rounded offensive game than any of Sacramento’s other options at the position. Last time, the Kings were forced to start Chris Duarte and while he tried his best, he was too undersized to guard either Paul George or Kawhi Leonard and only managed to play 13 minutes. Murray is coming off perhaps the best game of his career last night in which he scored 24 points on 9-13 shooting and 4-4 from three while also playing lockdown defense on the other end. Murray’s gonna face an even tougher task tonight, likely spending time on all of Leonard, George and Harden depending on the situation. I wouldn’t be surprised if his offense takes a bit of a hit tonight, but if Murray can give those guys even a little bit of trouble, that’s going to be a big help, especially considering those guys account for 60% of the Clippers total points in the last matchup against the Kings.
Interior Presence
In Sacramento’s first matchup with the Clippers, Domantas Sabonis had perhaps his worst game as a King, scoring 11 points but on only 3-12 from the field. Two of those made baskets were threes, and his first two point basket made didn’t come until just under three minutes left in the game. It wasn’t just Sabonis’ scoring that was affected either; He was well under his season averages in rebounds (5) and assists (3) and he was a team worst -19 in 30 minutes of action. This was a very uncharacteristic game for Sacramento’s All-Star Center, and they’ll need a lot better from him tonight if they hope to beat the Clippers at home. Ivica Zubac is a strong center who isn’t pushed around easily, but Sabonis should still be able to get the better of him in most matchups.
Prediction
This will be a wire to wire game for most of the night, with neither team getting ahead by much until De’Aaron Fox pops the clutch in the 4th quarter and manages to keep the Clippers at arm length and leave LA with another victory.
Kings 124, Clippers 118
Fan Predictions
Link to Leaderboard (Updated 12/3/23)
Each of their three principals were up around forty minutes last night, so let’s hope they lose a little bounce in their steps come gametime.
A quick trip down south to LA
Where the Clippers are finding their way.
With both teams back-to-back,
Can’t afford any slack.
Let’s see which of their old stars won’t play!
+1 The Clippers are on a roll!
good job. Tough game to predict. Last LAC game was an aberation. LAC have at least 3 guys who can go off but at least 3 guys who can go 4-17.
There’s a winning streak coming. I can feel it!
February 24, 2023
Sacramento 176 – LAC 175 2OT
With both teams having played last night – is it a MEGA SEGABABA?
Should be a fun contest. Light that Beam! If they lose – can we send a disappointing look to Kosta? If they win, can we give him a double thumbs up?
It’s exactly how back to backs should be. Both teams should be on one to somewhat level the playing field. If the NBA is going to insist on having them, just make it for both teams. It can’t be that hard for scheduling.
Clip the Segababa curse
Badge Legend