The Sacramento Kings (12-21) will attempt to put an end to their seven-game losing streak when they clash against the Los Angeles Clippers (23-11) at Golden 1 Center. The game can be seen on NBC Sports – California at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
Los Angeles opened as a 7-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 221 points.
Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings Betting Prediction
In the Clippers’ last outing, they were 7-point favorites and fell to the Utah Jazz, 120-107. The combined points for the game (227) finished over the projected point total of 221.5. Utah’s 0.622 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Los Angeles, who had a mark of 0.432. The Jazz’s mark was above their season average of 0.535, while the Clippers’ was below their season average of 0.528. Paul George led Los Angeles in scoring with 20 points on 6-for-20 shooting.
The Kings were beaten by the Denver Nuggets in their last contest, 120-115, but were able to cover as 8-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (235) came in well over the O/U total of 207. Denver made good use of their 31 trips to the free throw line, making 28 of them (90.3 percent). Sacramento, meanwhile, was 12-17 (70.6 percent). With 27 points on 10-for-13 shooting, Nemanja Bjelica was the game’s high scorer.
After the Clippers won all four games against the Kings last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Los Angeles won 116-109. The Clippers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.6 vs. 16.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.261 vs. 0.226).
Los Angeles heads into the game with records of 23-11 straight up (SU) and 18-15-1 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Clippers tend to finish under the O/U total (55.9 percent).
Meanwhile, Sacramento owns records of 12-21 SU and 17-16 ATS. Much like Los Angeles, Kings games also tend to go under the total (57.6 percent).
Sacramento might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the league’s best defenses. Los Angeles ranks eighth in defensive efficiency, while the Kings rank 21st in offensive efficiency.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings Betting Pick
Free NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Los Angeles is 8-9 ATS with 9 unders and 8 overs.
Sacramento is 5-9 ATS at home with 9 unders and 5 overs.
Sacramento is 6-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Los Angeles is 10-0.
When reaching 100 points, the Clippers are 21-7 and the Kings are 11-15.
Sacramento ranks first in fast break points allowed per game (10.5) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (14.9).
The Clippers rank fourth in rebounds per game (47.9) while the Kings rank 27th (42.2).
Los Angeles ranks seventh in points in the paint per game (49.2) while Sacramento ranks 28th (43.8).
The Clippers rank fourth in assists allowed per game (22.6) while the Kings rank 18th (24.2).
Sacramento averages 34.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Los Angeles ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (34.9).
The Clippers rank third in points off turnovers per game (19.0) while the Kings rank 15th (17.4).
Los Angeles ranks first in second chance points per game (15.1) while Sacramento ranks 10th (13.7).
The Clippers average 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. The Kings rank 21st in steals allowed per game (8.1).
Over its last five outings, Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Clippers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 6.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 109.6 points per game (4.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.8 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
