Kings' 28th-ranked defense meets Clippers' top-three shooting

The Sacramento Kings (22-60 last season) and their 28th-ranked defense visit the LA Clippers (42-40), one of the league's best shooting teams, on Wednesday, October 21. Tip-off is at 10:30 PM ET.

All numbers here are from last season, with this season's rosters. The Clippers posted a true shooting percentage of 60.2, third in the NBA, and drew free throws at the third-highest rate. The Kings allowed an effective field goal percentage of 57.2, 29th of 30 teams, so Los Angeles should get clean looks and trips to the line.

Sacramento has its own problem at the other end. Its offensive rating of 109.3 ranked 26th and its true shooting percentage of 56 ranked 29th. The Clippers' defense was average, 18th at 114 points allowed per 100 possessions, but that is enough to deny the Kings easy points.

Zach LaVine averaged 19.2 points in 39 games for the Kings and made 88% of his free throws. Darius Garland averaged a team-high 6.7 assists for the Clippers in 45 games.

Sacramento's report has three names. Dylan Cardwell, its leading rebounder at 7.5 a game, is out until Monday, November 2, as is Maxime Raynaud, who played 26.6 minutes a game. Malik Monk is day-to-day.

The Clippers are thinner. Brandon Ingram, who led the team at 21.5 points a game, is out until Sunday, November 8. Bradley Beal and Max Strus are out until the same day, and two more Clippers are out.

Sacramento went 3-7 over its last 10 games last season and ended the year with a 122-110 loss at Portland. Los Angeles finished with a 126-121 play-in loss to Golden State.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Clippers a 63% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts it at 58%.