*NBA(1u): Clippers -5.5(-110) @ Kings–9:10 PM CT
The Clippers lost twice to this Kings team just earlier this month, making this a “double revenge” game for a Clippers team that is quite familiar with this particular opponent. The Clippers lost the first of their matchups with Sacramento 124-115; the night before the rematch, LAC played a high-intensity game against the Lakers and ended up winning. Thus, you could understand why the Clippers weren’t as sharp when they had to travel to Sacramento and play the next night. You might think that line of thinking is ridiculous(I’d tend to agree), but it’s simply the reality of how NBA players think this day and age.
This will be the 3rd game in 4 nights for a short-handed Kings bunch that is without De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, Marvin Bagley, among others. In turn, Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, and Harrison Barnes have all played at least 37 minutes over the past 2 games. Look for fatigue to be a factor tonight, especially given the level of pace at which Sacramento likes to play. This is also the last game Sacramento will play until Dec. 26th; given how tumultuous this season has been for them, I’m sure everybody within that organization is ready for a break. The Clippers aren’t in great current form having lost their last 3 games, but they have the major health/rest advantage entering this game. This team beat the Suns by 16 points just a week ago, so they aren’t too far removed from playing really good basketball.
Given the double revenge angle and the health/rest of each of these teams, I think the Clippers win this game by double digits.
