The Kings have one last chance to pick up a preseason victory when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday at Intuit Dome, the Clippers’ new $2 billion arena in Inglewood.
The Kings (0-4) suffered a 117-114 loss to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The Kings have struggled with shooting and defense as they gear up for the regular-season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 24 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
The Clippers (3-1) lost by one to the Golden State Warriors in their preseason opener, but they won their last three games against the Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks. The Clippers have won despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard and the departure of Paul George, who left to sign a four-year, $211.6 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Here are three things to look for in Thursday’s game.
Shooting and defense
The Kings made 69 of 160 from 3-point range in their first four preseason games, shooting a somewhat troubling 25.2%. They are last in 3-point percentage among 32 teams involved in preseason play, including two international teams, the New Zealand Breakers and Ratiopharm Ulm.
Sacramento has also struggled defensively. They are 28 th in opponent field-goal percentage (.493) and 32 nd in opponent 3-point percentage (.431).
The Kings signed free agent small forward Doug McDermott on Wednesday, adding wing depth and shooting. McDermott shot 41% from 3-point range over his first 10 NBA seasons. The Kings officially announced the signing of McDermott on Wednesday evening, but it’s unclear if he will be available for Thursday’s game.
Sacramento injury update
Jordan McLaughlin recently returned after missing time with a sprained ankle. He has appeared in two preseason games, averaging 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 53.3% from the field and 31.5% from 3-point range.
Kevin Huerter has been cleared for full-contact activity seven months after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. Huerter is still progressing through return-to-play protocol but could challenge Keon Ellis for the shooting guard spot when he returns.
The Kings are still missing Trey Lyles (groin), Orlando Robinson (knee) and Devin Carter (shoulder).
Scouting the Clippers
Leonard has been ruled out for Friday’s game and his status for the regular-season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 23 is uncertain due to inflammation in his right knee.
James Harden is averaging 12.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.5 steals this preseason. Norman Powell (11.3 ppg), Bones Hyland (10.5 ppg) and Kevin Porter Jr. (10.0 ppg) are also scoring in double figures.
The Clippers are sixth in field-goal percentage (.460) during the preseason, but they are 25 th in scoring (104.0 ppg) and 27 th in 3-point shooting (.285).
Kings at Clippers
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Intuit Dome
TV: None
How to watch: Kings.com
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Clippers -3.5
Over/under: 216.5
Injury report
Kings: OUT — Devin Carter (shoulder), Kevin Huerter (shoulder), Trey Lyles (groin), Orlando Robinson (knee).
Clippers: OUT — Mo Bamba (knee), Trentyn Flowers (wrist), Kawhi Leonard (knee).
Oct. 24 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Oct. 26 at Los Angeles Lakers
Oct. 28 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Oct. 29 at Utah Jazz
Nov. 1 at Atlanta Hawks
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