Los Angeles Clippers vs Sacramento Kings 22 October 2026 Prediction

A year ago, the result of this matchup would have looked more predictable. Now the Clippers and Kings are both in difficult positions. Neither team improved over the offseason, and both enter the season looking for a win.

Clippers Face Financial Misconduct Sanctions

The Clippers' outlook changed sharply over the summer. The NBA disclosed financial misconduct involving owner Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard, fined the team $30 million, and stripped it of all first-round draft picks from 2029 through 2033. Leonard moved to Toronto, while James Harden joined Cleveland. The pair combined for more than 50 points per game last season.

The Clippers added Brandon Ingram, Max Strus, and Gradey Dick, but those moves have not replaced the production they lost. The front office's decisions have limited the team's near-term prospects. Los Angeles now faces a rebuild. A 2-1 preseason record offers little reassurance, and even a play-in spot could be difficult to reach with this roster.

Clippers Predicted Lineup: Garland, Wagler, Jones Jr., Hachimura, Jackson

Out: Beal, Ingram, Miller, Niederhauser, and Strus (all injured)

Manager: Tyronn Lue

Kings Enter the Season with a Weaker Roster

Sacramento finished second to last in the Western Conference last season at 22-60. The roster lacked star power and weakened further over the summer. DeMar DeRozan joined Denver, where he hopes to compete for a title late in his career. The Kings also signed Ben Simmons, but he has not played in 18 months and will miss this regular season.

The Kings have spent recent seasons near the bottom of the standings, putting them in position for high draft picks. They lost all five preseason games. Bench depth is limited, the players have shown little commitment on defense, and the locker room atmosphere appears unsettled. A significant improvement looks unlikely.

Kings Predicted Lineup: Acuff Jr., LaVine, Hunter, Murray, Sabonis

Out: Cardwell, Raynaud, and Simmons (all injured)

Manager: Doug Christie

Clippers vs Kings: Recent Meetings

The Clippers won the most recent meeting and took three of four games against Sacramento last season.

Clippers vs Kings Prediction: Clippers Handicap -4.5

Main pick: The rosters look comparable, but home court favors the Clippers. They went 23-18 at Intuit Dome last season and won two of their three preseason games. Sacramento could prioritize draft position from the start, and DeRozan's departure leaves the Kings weaker. The pick is Clippers -4.5 at 1.85.

Team total pick: Sacramento ranked among the bottom four in defensive rating, allowing 121 points per 100 possessions. The Kings have given opponents too much space, and the Clippers scored at least 118 points in three of their four meetings last season. Consider the Clippers team total over 116.5 at 1.85.