The Sacramento Kings (8-24) face the Los Angeles Clippers (10-21) in a Western Conference battle of underperforming teams, with the Clippers riding a four-game winning streak into their home matchup. Sacramento has struggled with defensive inconsistencies and rebounding woes, ranking near the bottom in points allowed (122.1 PPG) and rebounds (41.0 per game). The Clippers, despite early-season offensive struggles (111.5 PPG), have found rhythm lately, led by Kawhi Leonard’s scoring surge, including a 55-point performance in their recent win. Without key bigs like Ivica Zubac for L.A. and potentially Domantas Sabonis for Sacramento, this game could feature fast-paced, perimeter-heavy play, but expect the Clippers’ momentum and home advantage to prevail in a gritty contest.
Venue Location
Intuit Dome, Los Angeles, California. This 18,000-seat state-of-the-art arena, opened in 2024, serves as the Clippers’ home and is known for its modern fan experience. The Clippers have a 6-8 home record this season, averaging 112.4 points per game at home compared to 110.0 on the road.
Tipoff is set for 11:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. local PT). The game will be broadcast on NBA TV and available for streaming on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Official injury reports for both teams have not yet been submitted as of December 29 evening, but based on recent updates:
Sacramento Kings:
Keegan Murray (SF): GTD – Calf strain (mild; reevaluated recently, potential to play).
Domantas Sabonis (C): Out – Knee injury (expected return around January 18, 2026; major blow to rebounding and playmaking).
Zach LaVine (SG): Out – Ankle injury (expected return January 1, 2026; impacts scoring depth if on roster—note: possible data anomaly, confirm LaVine trade/status).
Los Angeles Clippers:
Ivica Zubac (C): Out – Grade 2 left ankle sprain (expected return mid-January 2026; significant loss for rim protection and rebounds).
Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG): Out – Hamstring injury (expected return January 5, 2026).
John Collins (PF): GTD – Illness (expected return December 30, 2025).
Bradley Beal (SG): Out for Season – Hip injury (not expected back until October 2026; note: possible data anomaly, confirm Beal trade/status).
These absences could force smaller lineups, with Mo Bamba likely starting for the Clippers and backups like Maxime Raynaud seeing more minutes for the Kings. Monitor final submissions for updates.
Player Matchups
Zubac’s absence shifts frontcourt dynamics, potentially exposing the Clippers inside, while the Kings’ perimeter could test L.A.’s defense.
DeMar DeRozan (SAC) vs. Kawhi Leonard (LAC): Wing scoring battle. DeRozan (18.8 PPG, 50.6% FG) excels in mid-range, but Leonard (27.5 PPG, 49.5% FG, 37.5% 3PT) brings elite two-way play and could force turnovers.
Dennis Schroder (SAC) vs. James Harden (LAC): Guard duel. Schroder (12.9 PPG, 5.9 APG) provides speed, while Harden (26.3 PPG, 8.0 APG) dominates with vision and step-backs, exploiting mismatches.
Russell Westbrook (SAC) vs. Kris Dunn (LAC): Energy matchup. Westbrook (14.6 PPG, 7.1 APG, 6.8 RPG) drives chaos, but Dunn (8.2 PPG, 3.0 APG) offers solid defense to contain him.
Other notes: Malik Monk (SAC, 12.1 PPG, 40.7% 3PT) could exploit Clippers’ wings; Nicolas Batum (LAC, 4.7 PPG) adds veteran spacing. If Sabonis sits, Maxime Raynaud (SAC, 10.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG) faces Mo Bamba in the paint.
The Clippers’ stars give them an edge, but Sacramento’s guards could keep it close if they push the pace.
The Clippers’ better defense could stifle Sacramento’s inefficient offense.
Recent Team Forms
The Clippers are surging, while the Kings continue to falter.
Sacramento Kings (3-7 in last 10 games): Coming off a 125-101 blowout loss to the Lakers on December 28, where they were outrebounded badly. Averaged 109.8 PPG while allowing 116.4 in the stretch, with a -6.6 point differential. Key wins: 113-107 over Dallas (12/27), 125-124 OT over Houston (12/21). Struggles include poor shooting (46.3% FG) and rebounding. Form: L-W-L-L-L (last five). Road woes: 2-8 in last 10 away.
Los Angeles Clippers (6-4 in last 10 games): On a four-game win streak after a 112-99 victory over Detroit on December 28, fueled by Leonard’s efficiency. Averaged 114.2 PPG and allowed 108.6, with a +5.6 margin. Standouts: 119-103 at Portland (12/26), 128-108 vs. Houston (12/23). Improved ATS (7-3 last 10). Form: W-W-W-W-L (last five). Home strength: 5-5 in last 10 at Intuit Dome.
L.A.’s recent defensive uptick (114.8 PAPG overall) favors them against Sacramento’s leaky unit.
Series History
The Kings lead the all-time series 124-109 in 233 regular-season games. Sacramento has won 6 of the last 10 meetings, but the Clippers are 4-1 against the Kings in their last 5 home games. Recent: Clippers won 109-91 in preseason (10/15/2025). At Intuit Dome, L.A. is 3-2 vs. Sacramento since opening. Average score in last 10: Clippers 106.0, Kings 101.8. The under has hit in 6 of the last 7 head-to-heads.
Betting Trends
Clippers 4-1 ATS and SU in last 5 games; 12-19 ATS overall but 7-3 in last 10. Kings 4-2 ATS in last 6 but 11-19-2 overall; 7-9-1 ATS on road. Under has hit in 14 of Kings’ last 20 games, 7 of Clippers’ last 10, and 8 of last 11 Kings road games vs. Clippers. Clippers 4-10 ATS at home; Kings 4-10-1 ATS as underdogs.
Game Odds
Sacramento Kings 221.5
Los Angeles Clippers – 9.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 29, 2025
