Kings at Clippers
The Sacramento Kings attempt to avoid a third straight loss and post their first road win Saturday, when they visit the Pacific Division-rival Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center. After winning two of three, Sacramento dropped a 97-89 decision to Minnesota at home on Tuesday. The Kings followed that up with a 97-92 setback in their own building against Indiana on Friday. They have lost all five of their road games and eight of their last 10 overall en route to the worst record in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles is wrapping up a three-game homestand during which it split the first two contests. The Clippers opened the stand with a seven-point setback to New Orleans on Monday, a defeat that extended their losing streak to four games. They bounced back two days later with a 101-95 triumph over Minnesota. Los Angeles has won three straight at home against Sacramento and five of the last six meetings at the Staples Center.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet California (Sacramento), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), NBA TV
ABOUT THE KINGS (4-11): Guard Tyreke Evans may miss his second consecutive game with a bruised left knee. Evans has averaged 21 points over his last five contests. Guard Marcus Thornton scored 15 points in Friday's loss, reaching double figures for the 13th time in 15 games. Thornton could have had more points, but he missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer with 4.9 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. "It felt good. I missed the shot," Thornton said. "I wish I could have it back, but I can't."
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (9-6): Guard Chauncey Billups made his season debut against Minnesota on Wednesday. The veteran guard had been sidelined since Feb. 6 with a torn left Achilles tendon, and had seven points, three assists and a steal in 19 minutes. Billups is planning to take it slow in his return. "I look forward to regaining my old form," he said. "I'm going to be very patient with that. Just me being back is a success and a blessing, so I'm going to be happy with that until everything else kind of comes around."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Kings have allowed 97 points in each of their last three contests and four of five.
2. Los Angeles went 3-0 against the Kings last season and has won six of the last seven meetings.
3. Clippers G Jamal Crawford is averaging only 11.5 points over his last four games.
PREDICTION: Clippers 102, Kings 89.