Clippers at Kings
The Los Angeles Clippers look to win in Sacramento for the 12th consecutive time when they visit the Kings on Thursday. Los Angeles has consistently outplayed the Kings in California's capital city since dropping a 116-101 decision on March 19, 2013.
The Clippers routed the Phoenix Suns 115-99 on Wednesday and have won 10 of their past 12 games to boast the top record in the Western Conference and third best in the NBA. "I don't know how to judge it," Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers said after the victory over the Suns. "Every game, it seems, is like a fight. We're going to (Sacramento) and they have had two or three days off. It is going to be another tough one." The Kings have dropped back-to-back games and seven of their last 11 after getting off to a strong 6-3 start. Shooting guard Buddy Hield has stepped up as the lead scoring option and has nine 20-point outings while averaging a team-best 18.8 points.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (14-6): Forward Danilo Gallinari recorded his first double-double of the season as he matched his season high of 28 points and collected 10 rebounds in the victory over the Suns. Gallinari is averaging 21.7 points and nine rebounds over the past three games and is thriving while healthy after being limited to 21 games last season in his first campaign with the club. Reserve guard Lou Williams scored 20 points against Phoenix to bounce back from his worst effort of the season -- four points on 2-of-13 shooting versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
ABOUT THE KINGS (10-10): Second-year point guard De'Aaron Fox is an emerging star with five double-doubles and six games of 10 or more assists during the first quarter of the campaign. Fox is averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 assists - his rookies averages were 11.6 and 4.4 - while also asserting himself as a leader and symbol of the franchise's improved product. "He's done a great job of taking it to the next level," Sacramento coach Dave Joerger told reporters. "Who knows where he can go or how good he can be, but he's given himself every chance by working really hard."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Clippers have outscored the Kings by an average of 15.2 points while winning the past five overall meetings.
2. Los Angeles C Marcin Gortat (back spasms) missed Wednesday's game and is doubtful to play against the Kings.
3. Sacramento SG Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 20 points in Sunday's loss to Utah for his seventh straight double-digit outing.