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The Sacramento Kings will host the Los Angeles Clippers late on Friday night, in a game with huge implications in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Kings (31-30, 19-12 home) are currently 9th in the West, two games behind the last playoff spot, which is held by the LA Clippers. Sacramento was looking good value for that 8th spot until recently, when they had a bit of a losing streak. The Kings lost 4 of their last 5 games, but that doesn`t mean they aren`t still playing well. It was a really difficult schedule, 4 of the 5 games being against Championship contenders, and all losses were very close.
The Clippers (34-29, 17-17 away) seemed like they will give up on making the playoffs after trading their best player, Harris, at the trade deadline. However, the team keeps on playing well, and the coaching staff made it clear that the team is still fully focus to make the postseason. The Clippers have won 3 of their last 5 games.
Bet on Kings vs. Clippers and claim a 100% (120 Eur) welcome bonus at LSbet now!Team news: Bagley is out for Sacramento, while the Clippers will be without Chandler and Mbah a Moute (both long term absences).
The Clippers might seem like the team in form between these two, but recent results have really been more about the scheduling than about the level of play. The Clippers have 3 wins in their last 5 games, all of them against some of the worst teams in the league.
Meanwhile, the Kings have 1 win in their last 5 games, but only met playoff caliber teams, including 4 legit Finals contenders. What`s more, all losses came by a hair: by 2 points against the Warriors and the Nuggets, by 7 points against the Wolves, and by 1 point against the Bucks! That may have something to do with Sacramento`s youth and lack of experience, but it`s clearly some bad luck as well.
The Kings really need to get back on track here, and they will be pumped up about meeting a playoff rival at home, and also a bit of an easier opponent after the recent grueling stretch.
These Kings are so fun to watch, they play with a lot of pace and energy especially at home, and they should be able to keep their playoff hopes intact with a win over LA. They really are due a win after so many close losses in games in which they played well.
My tip will be Sacramento to win straight up. The handicap is pretty low at 3.5 points, but with Sacramento`s recent games all being decided by one or two posessions, I`ll stick with the straight win at competitive odds. Prediction: Sacramento Kings – LA Clippers 117 – 111.
Pick: Kings
Odds: 1.63 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.04
Event date: 2 March
