Preview: Kings look to maintain momentum vs. new-look Clippers

Nov 8, 2024, 8:27 AM

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 6: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game aga...

(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

An 0-2 start to the regular season is a distant memory for the Sacramento Kings, who enter play on Friday night having won five of its past six games.

Sacramento (5-3) has turned a corner following a slow start, thanks to the red-hot play of six-time All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan (25.6 points per game) and All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis (20.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game).

The Kings have tapped back into their 2022-23 form, boasting a top-five offensive rating through the first eight games of the regular season as they currently hold top-five rankings among NBA leaders in points (fifth), field goal percentage (fifth), and points per game (fifth).

A new-look Los Angeles Clippers squad will arrive at Golden 1 Center on Friday without injured star Kawhi Leonard (knee) as they continue to search for a new identity following All-Star forward Paul George’s departure to Philadelphia during the offseason.

Los Angeles (4-4) has struggled to find the bottom of the net this season, entering play against Sacramento averaging 109.1 points per game (24th in the NBA). Conversely, the Clippers have made up for its offensive shortcomings, holding opponents to 107.8 points per contest (4th in the NBA).

Can the Kings overcome a strong Los Angeles defense and improve to 6-3 for the first time since the 2018-19 season?

DeMar cashes a trey 👏 pic.twitter.com/kBPXA4BnRS

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) November 7, 2024

Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers Info

When: 7:00 PM PT

Where: Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA

TV: NBC Sports California, NBA League Pass (for out-of-market viewers)

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Coverage starts at 2:00 PM PDT on The Drive Guys

Line: Kings -4.5, O/U 236.5

Tickets: Click here

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Clippers coverage, beginning at 2:00 PM PST on The Drive Guys before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.

Waiting On The Long Ball

The Kings hold a top-five offensive rating and are also top-five in points per game this season, but they are still waiting to see that success translate to the perimeter.

Entering play on Friday, Sacramento has shot just 32 percent from downtown (27th in the NBA). Last season, the Kings finished the season with a three-point shooting percentage of 36 percent (16th in the NBA) while holding top-five rankings in attempts and converted attempts.

Why has Sacramento struggled from deep thus far? The addition of DeRozan has put more of an emphasis on the Kings’ mid-range and paint game, but it’s also a matter of shots simply not falling.

It’s early, and a roster that possesses several sharpshooters will find the bottom of the net sooner than later.

Who’s Hot For LAC?

With Paul George now employed by the Philadelphia 76ers and Kawhi Leonard (knee) on the shelf with another knee injury, the Clippers have a different look this season.

Former league MVP James Harden is the head of the snake for Los Angeles, but the Kings will want to pay attention to high-scoring guard Norm Powell on Friday night.

Powell has been an absolute bucket for the Clippers, averaging 25.0 points per game on 53/48/86 shooting splits through eight games.

The veteran guard has spent most of his career in a reserve role, but in light of George’s exit and Leonard’s injury, he has moved into the starting lineup in style. Powell leads Los Angeles in field goal attempts per game (16.8) and three-point field goal attempts per game (8.5), meaning that Sacramento will want to pay extra close attention to the 31-year-old.

Outside of Powell and Harden (16.6 field goal attempts per game), the Clippers have slim options in the self-creator category, with center Ivica Zubac being the other main threat on the floor.

If the Kings can contain one or both of Powell and Harden, they’ll likely be in a strong spot come crunch time.

Protect The Paint

Sacramento will have to pay close attention to Powell and Harden on Friday, but they also need to mind the paint.

Los Angeles is ranked seventh in paint scoring this season (51.8 points per game), with Zubac and Harden being the main culprits in attacking the basket.

The Kings’ defense has been strong in the paint this season, holding opponents to 45.8 points per game (compared to 48.7 last year), but they will have their work cut out against the Clippers. Los Angeles may be near the bottom of the league in three-point field goal percentage (24th), but they are 12th in made two-point field goals and seventh in offensive rebounds.

Notes

The Kings are seeking its first 6-3 start to a season since the 2018-19 campaign.
DeMar DeRozan over the past five seasons vs. LAC: 24.1 PTS | 5.2 REB | 4.6 AST | 50% FG | 38% 3PT | 13 games