Fairway Jay
Clippers at Kings
Play: Over 206
The Kings have been on a high-scoring streak their last 12 games averaging over 109 ppg. Their lowest point production over that stretch was 99 points. The Kings play the Clippers in revenge mode following a 108-100 home loss in their only meeting of the season. The teams will play again in Los Angeles April 7, but tonight figures to be a high-scoring shootout with the Kings holding nothing back.
The Clippers had their six-game losing streak snapped last night in a 113-108 loss to the Lakers. They figure to lack defensive energy following that loss, and while the Clippers defense has been improved the past month, note that they ranked near the bottom of the league in points per possession through late February (103 ppg). Also note that the Clippers played 12 of their past 15 games at home, and in their three road games they allowed 97, 102 and 114 points.
The Clippers (32-22) are still in solid playoff position in the Western Conference while the Kings (19-35) season is over from a playoff perspective, but clearly their offense has shown well with high-scoring games the past three weeks. Combined with the Kings’ league-worst defense allowing 104 ppg including at least 103 points in each of their last nine games, we’ll play over the high total in a fast-paced contest.