The LA Clippers are fresh off a win against the Suns last night and look to keep on rolling in Sacramento against the Kings.
Both the LA Clippers and the Sacramento Kings started the season out impressing many and outperforming expectations. However, the Kings have come back to reality as of late while the LA Clippers continue this glorified run. LA must stay focused on their back-to-back and cannot underestimate the Kings and their recent slump.
The Sacramento Kings have not played a game in four days and that was even at home. Basically, being home for almost a week and practicing extra hard because of this current slump gives them a little edge. Considering the Kings are more desperate for a win since not having one in over a week; also having all this time off to focus on only the Clippers could benefit the Kings in a surprise win.
The Clippers on the other end are on a back-to-back, but are luckily facing only a sub .500 team on the road, which is cause for minimal concern. If they want to reach the next level and maintain a top seed in this tough Western Conference, winning on the road is necessary.
On the upside, LA is now 9-4 against Western Conference teams, including the Warriors, Rockets, Blazers, and Grizzlies. Currently, they are a perfect 2-0 in their division after getting that second win last night.
Fortunately for the Clippers many players logged minutes, only needing Danilo Gallinari and Tobias Harris for more than 30 minutes. This means the Clippers still have fresh legs, and they will not lose focus. Harris has been on a run himself. According to ESPN, Tobias Harris (the former Western Conference Player of the Week) is averaging 24 points a game in his last six games.
There is something about this team in the locker room and on the court. They work hard and this core is coached well. Many veterans bring in their tough mindsets surrounding these young talented players and everyone can see the results on the court.
Speaking of young talented players, Jonathan Motley will be on the active roster tonight. With Marcin Gortat not playing last night, it seems like Motley will be able to get some minutes. Motley is on a two-way contract and has a lot of potential. Playing against the Kings will be a good test for how NBA ready he really is.
Overall the Clippers look like a favorite in this one, as long as they do not underestimate the Kings and stay focused. Even on the last game of a back-to-back which is tough to win against any NBA team, the Clippers should stay hot and get consistent play from arguably the top bench in this league.