76ers Host Spurs Looking For First Win Of Season
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.
The Sixers (0-2) have not had a good start to the season and Doc Rivers’ seat is getting warmer after opening the campaign with back-to-back losses, the latest one a 90-88 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks. During that game, James Harden led the Sixers with 31 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block, in 40 minutes. Tyrese Maxey added 15 points and two rebounds, while Joel Embiid finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block. The Sixers shot 43 percent from the field, including 5-of-24 from long range.
The 76ers are at full strength and sport a clean bill of health with no injured players.
The Spurs (1-1) are in the midst of a rebuilding season but secured their first win of the season Friday, topping the Indiana Pacers by a 137-134 score. Josh Richardson led the way for the Spurs after scoring 27 points off the bench, and he was one of four San Antonio players that recorded 20-plus points. Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell each had 23 points, with Johnson also adding six assists and three boards while Vassell contributed five boards, four dimes and two steals. Jakob Poeltl posted 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists, and Tre Jones added 18 points, four boards and four assists. Zach Collins delivered 11 points, four boards, three dimes and three blocks off the bench.
The Spurs are at full strength and sport a clean bill of health with no injured players.
The Sixers (0-2) have not had a good start to the season and Doc Rivers’ seat is getting warmer after opening the campaign with back-to-back losses, the latest one a 90-88 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks. During that game, James Harden led the Sixers with 31 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block, in 40 minutes. Tyrese Maxey added 15 points and two rebounds, while Joel Embiid finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block. The Sixers shot 43 percent from the field, including 5-of-24 from long range.
The 76ers are at full strength and sport a clean bill of health with no injured players.
The Spurs (1-1) are in the midst of a rebuilding season but secured their first win of the season Friday, topping the Indiana Pacers by a 137-134 score. Josh Richardson led the way for the Spurs after scoring 27 points off the bench, and he was one of four San Antonio players that recorded 20-plus points. Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell each had 23 points, with Johnson also adding six assists and three boards while Vassell contributed five boards, four dimes and two steals. Jakob Poeltl posted 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists, and Tre Jones added 18 points, four boards and four assists. Zach Collins delivered 11 points, four boards, three dimes and three blocks off the bench.
The Spurs are at full strength and sport a clean bill of health with no injured players.
Pacers, Pistons Collide In Battle Of Young Teams
The Indiana Pacers will host the Detroit Pistons at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday.
The Pacers (0-2) have started the season with back-to-back home games but dropped both, and their latest defeat was against the San Antonio Spurs by a 137-134 score. During that loss, Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 27 points and 12 assists, while Buddy Hield ended with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. No other Indiana starter scored in double digits, though Terry Taylor posted nine points with seven rebounds and two assists. Isaiah Jackson had 16 points and six boards off the bench, and Bennedict Mathurin registered 26 points and six rebounds. Andrew Nembhard recorded 14 points off the bench.
Daniel Theis (knee), Jalen Smith (face) and Myles Turner (ankle) have been ruled out for this game.
The Pistons (1-1) suffered a loss in their first road game of the campaign since they dropped their Friday matchup against the New York Knicks by a 130-106 score, a game in which Detroit looked brutally outmatched. The Pistons did have some notable performers, though, as Saddiq Bey ended with 26 points and seven rebounds to pace the team. Jaden Ivey had 17 points and nine assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic posted 18 points and Isaiah Stewart pulled down 10 rebounds, same as Jalen Duren who came off the bench. Cade Cunningham struggled, though, and he ended with 15 points while shooting 6-for-16 from the field.
Alec Burks (foot), Isaiah Livers (hip) and Marvin Bagley (knee) have all been ruled out for this game.
The Pacers (0-2) have started the season with back-to-back home games but dropped both, and their latest defeat was against the San Antonio Spurs by a 137-134 score. During that loss, Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 27 points and 12 assists, while Buddy Hield ended with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. No other Indiana starter scored in double digits, though Terry Taylor posted nine points with seven rebounds and two assists. Isaiah Jackson had 16 points and six boards off the bench, and Bennedict Mathurin registered 26 points and six rebounds. Andrew Nembhard recorded 14 points off the bench.
Daniel Theis (knee), Jalen Smith (face) and Myles Turner (ankle) have been ruled out for this game.
The Pistons (1-1) suffered a loss in their first road game of the campaign since they dropped their Friday matchup against the New York Knicks by a 130-106 score, a game in which Detroit looked brutally outmatched. The Pistons did have some notable performers, though, as Saddiq Bey ended with 26 points and seven rebounds to pace the team. Jaden Ivey had 17 points and nine assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic posted 18 points and Isaiah Stewart pulled down 10 rebounds, same as Jalen Duren who came off the bench. Cade Cunningham struggled, though, and he ended with 15 points while shooting 6-for-16 from the field.
Alec Burks (foot), Isaiah Livers (hip) and Marvin Bagley (knee) have all been ruled out for this game.
Celtics and Magic Tangle in Saturday Night Clash
The Boston Celtics take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Saturday night.
The Celtics (2-0) have gotten their Eastern Conference title defense season off to an auspicious start, as they've recorded wins over two of their fellow Eastern Conference contenders, the 76ers and Heat. Their most recent success game against Miami in the form of a 111-104 victory Friday night. Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 29 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered 28 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Derrick White and Grant Williams generated matching 10-point, seven-rebound tallies while adding three and two steals, respectively.
The Celtics will remain without Robert Williams (knee) for Saturday's game.
The Magic (0-2) have gotten off to a sluggish start in the new season despite playing well for stretches in both of their two games and pair of stellar performances from top overall pick Paolo Banchero, and they come into Saturday's contest having just fallen to the Atlanta Hawks, 108-98, on Friday night. Cole Anthony led the Magic with 25 points off the bench, complementing them with two assists, one steal and one block. Banchero continued the hot start to his career with a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Wendell Carter furnished 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Terrence Ross supplied 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Magic will remain without Gary Harris (knee), Markelle Fultz (toe), Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) and Moritz Wagner (ankle) for Saturday's game. Jalen Suggs (ankle) will carry a questionable tag.
Saturday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics swept the three-game 2021-22 season series from the Magic.
The Celtics (2-0) have gotten their Eastern Conference title defense season off to an auspicious start, as they've recorded wins over two of their fellow Eastern Conference contenders, the 76ers and Heat. Their most recent success game against Miami in the form of a 111-104 victory Friday night. Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 29 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown delivered 28 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Derrick White and Grant Williams generated matching 10-point, seven-rebound tallies while adding three and two steals, respectively.
The Celtics will remain without Robert Williams (knee) for Saturday's game.
The Magic (0-2) have gotten off to a sluggish start in the new season despite playing well for stretches in both of their two games and pair of stellar performances from top overall pick Paolo Banchero, and they come into Saturday's contest having just fallen to the Atlanta Hawks, 108-98, on Friday night. Cole Anthony led the Magic with 25 points off the bench, complementing them with two assists, one steal and one block. Banchero continued the hot start to his career with a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Wendell Carter furnished 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Terrence Ross supplied 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Magic will remain without Gary Harris (knee), Markelle Fultz (toe), Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) and Moritz Wagner (ankle) for Saturday's game. Jalen Suggs (ankle) will carry a questionable tag.
Saturday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics swept the three-game 2021-22 season series from the Magic.
Bulls, Cavaliers Collide In Battle Of Contenders
The Chicago Bulls will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at United Center on Saturday.
The Bulls (1-1) will play their home opener against another playoff contender in the Eastern Conference but will do so fresh off a loss against the Washington Wizards on Friday by a 102-100 score. During that loss, DeMar DeRozan carried the Bulls on offense once again and finished with 32 points while adding six rebounds and six assists, and Nikola Vucevic contributed 24 points and eight rebounds. No other starter from Chicago scored more than seven points, tallied accomplished by both Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu. Andre Drummond had 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and Coby White also posted 10 points.
Zach LaVine (knee) and Lonzo Ball (knee) are out for this game. Justin Lewis (knee) has already been ruled out for the entire season.
The Cavaliers (0-1) opened their season with a 108-105 loss against the Toronto Raptors in a battle of two East contenders. Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers in his team debut with 31 points, supplementing them with nine assists, two rebounds and two steals. Cedi Osman furnished 17 points, three rebounds and one assist. Evan Mobley delivered 14 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two blocks.
Darius Garland (eye) and Dylan Windler (ankle) are out for this contest. Ricky Rubio (knee) is also out and is a few weeks away from returning to action.
The Bulls (1-1) will play their home opener against another playoff contender in the Eastern Conference but will do so fresh off a loss against the Washington Wizards on Friday by a 102-100 score. During that loss, DeMar DeRozan carried the Bulls on offense once again and finished with 32 points while adding six rebounds and six assists, and Nikola Vucevic contributed 24 points and eight rebounds. No other starter from Chicago scored more than seven points, tallied accomplished by both Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu. Andre Drummond had 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and Coby White also posted 10 points.
Zach LaVine (knee) and Lonzo Ball (knee) are out for this game. Justin Lewis (knee) has already been ruled out for the entire season.
The Cavaliers (0-1) opened their season with a 108-105 loss against the Toronto Raptors in a battle of two East contenders. Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers in his team debut with 31 points, supplementing them with nine assists, two rebounds and two steals. Cedi Osman furnished 17 points, three rebounds and one assist. Evan Mobley delivered 14 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two blocks.
Darius Garland (eye) and Dylan Windler (ankle) are out for this contest. Ricky Rubio (knee) is also out and is a few weeks away from returning to action.
Raptors and Heat Set for South Florida Battle
The Toronto Raptors take on the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Saturday night.
The Raptors (1-1) appeared to be well on their way to a second straight win Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets after a season-opening win over the Cavaliers, but they ultimately blew a late lead to fall, 109-105. Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 37-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. Fred VanVleet delivered 18 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, four steals and one block. Scottie Barnes supplied 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Gary Trent poured in 14 points. O.G. Anunoby registered 10 points, five boards, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Raptors are likely to remain without Otto Porter (hamstring) and Chris Boucher (hamstring) for Saturday's game.
The Heat (0-2) have gotten to off to a surprisingly poor start to the new season after nearly having toppled the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference title last May, as they've dropped their first two games, and at home to boot. Miami's latest stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Boston Celtics by a 111-104 score. Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 25 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bam Adebayo totaled 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler registered 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kyle Lowry and Gabe Vincent posted 17 points apiece, with Lowry adding six assists, four rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Heat expect to be without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The two squads split the four-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
The Raptors (1-1) appeared to be well on their way to a second straight win Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets after a season-opening win over the Cavaliers, but they ultimately blew a late lead to fall, 109-105. Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 37-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. Fred VanVleet delivered 18 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, four steals and one block. Scottie Barnes supplied 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Gary Trent poured in 14 points. O.G. Anunoby registered 10 points, five boards, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Raptors are likely to remain without Otto Porter (hamstring) and Chris Boucher (hamstring) for Saturday's game.
The Heat (0-2) have gotten to off to a surprisingly poor start to the new season after nearly having toppled the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference title last May, as they've dropped their first two games, and at home to boot. Miami's latest stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Boston Celtics by a 111-104 score. Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 25 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Bam Adebayo totaled 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler registered 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kyle Lowry and Gabe Vincent posted 17 points apiece, with Lowry adding six assists, four rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Heat expect to be without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The two squads split the four-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
Bucks Take On Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Houston Rockets at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
The Bucks (1-0) got off to an impressive start with a win in Philly on Thursday, despite missing Khris Middleton (wrist) and Pat Connaughton (calf). Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way in the win with 21 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and a steal. Brook Lopez followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and two blocks, while Bobby Portis tallied 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Bucks will remain without Middleton and Connaughton, and they will also be without newly acquired, Joe Ingles (knee). Nonetheless, they have enough depth and experience to fill in the gaps and get the job done.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Rockets (0-2), as they are coming off a hard-fought home loss against the Grizzlies on Friday night. They jumped out to a strong start in the game and led 32-26 after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second and led by eight points at halftime. They began to slip in the third and saw their advantage drop to five, heading into the final frame. The visitors kept the momentum going in the fourth and outscored the Rockets by 12 in the quarter to close it out. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 33 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 23 points, 12 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Kevin Porter tallied 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. The young squad has a tough task on the road in Milwaukee, and they will have to dig deep to stand up against the top tier opponent.
The Bucks (1-0) got off to an impressive start with a win in Philly on Thursday, despite missing Khris Middleton (wrist) and Pat Connaughton (calf). Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way in the win with 21 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and a steal. Brook Lopez followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and two blocks, while Bobby Portis tallied 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Bucks will remain without Middleton and Connaughton, and they will also be without newly acquired, Joe Ingles (knee). Nonetheless, they have enough depth and experience to fill in the gaps and get the job done.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Rockets (0-2), as they are coming off a hard-fought home loss against the Grizzlies on Friday night. They jumped out to a strong start in the game and led 32-26 after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second and led by eight points at halftime. They began to slip in the third and saw their advantage drop to five, heading into the final frame. The visitors kept the momentum going in the fourth and outscored the Rockets by 12 in the quarter to close it out. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 33 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Alperen Sengun followed up with 23 points, 12 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Kevin Porter tallied 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. The young squad has a tough task on the road in Milwaukee, and they will have to dig deep to stand up against the top tier opponent.
Mavs Host Red-Hot Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Mavs (0-1) fell short in a heartbreaking, 107-105, loss in Phoenix in their first game of the season. They got out to an impressive start in the game and led by 17 at halftime. However, they unraveled in the second half and fell short in the final seconds, missing a game-winning attempt at the buzzer. Luka Doncic put up 35 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Christian Wood added 25 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a block off the bench. The Mavs will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing loss, especially as they hope to make the most of their home-opener. Davis Bertans (knee) and Frank Ntilikina (ankle) will remain sidelined, while newly acquired, Facundo Campazzo could make his debut.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (2-0), as they are coming off an impressive win over the Rockets in Houston. Despite trailing by eight points at halftime, the Grizzlies rallied back in the second half and earned a seven-point win on the road, marking their second consecutive win to start the season. Ja Morant had a stellar outing with 49 points, four rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and a steal, in 31 minutes. John Konchar followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, three steals and a block, while Desmond Bane added 14 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Grizzlies will look to keep the momentum going, but they face their toughest opponent yet and have the disadvantage of playing on the road, on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Mavs (0-1) fell short in a heartbreaking, 107-105, loss in Phoenix in their first game of the season. They got out to an impressive start in the game and led by 17 at halftime. However, they unraveled in the second half and fell short in the final seconds, missing a game-winning attempt at the buzzer. Luka Doncic put up 35 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Christian Wood added 25 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a block off the bench. The Mavs will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing loss, especially as they hope to make the most of their home-opener. Davis Bertans (knee) and Frank Ntilikina (ankle) will remain sidelined, while newly acquired, Facundo Campazzo could make his debut.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (2-0), as they are coming off an impressive win over the Rockets in Houston. Despite trailing by eight points at halftime, the Grizzlies rallied back in the second half and earned a seven-point win on the road, marking their second consecutive win to start the season. Ja Morant had a stellar outing with 49 points, four rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and a steal, in 31 minutes. John Konchar followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, three steals and a block, while Desmond Bane added 14 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Grizzlies will look to keep the momentum going, but they face their toughest opponent yet and have the disadvantage of playing on the road, on the second night of a back-to-back.
Nuggets Host Thunder on Saturday
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena on Saturday.
The Thunder (0-1) battled in their opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they were unable to prevail. The T'Wolves finished that game with a 28-21 fourth quarter to grab a 115-108 win, despite OKC battling all night long. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was astounding in that opener, collecting 32 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Josh Giddey also had a double-double of his own, developing this duo into one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. The next step is to get the frontcourt up to par, but that will take some time. Aleksej Pokusevski is still growing into his body, while Chet Holmgren will spend this year rehabbing from foot surgery. That has them as one of the favorites for the top pick next year, but we're not far from completing this lengthy rebuild.
The Nuggets (1-1) had one of the worst opening night performances on Wednesday, losing to the Utah Jazz by 21 points. That's a rebuilding team that Denver was expected to roll, but it was nice to see Denver bounce back on Friday. They went into Golden State and beat the 2022 Champion Warriors, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. It's strange to have such different outcomes in the first two games, but it feels likely that Denver was looking ahead to that Warriors matchup. This is still expected to be one of the best teams in the NBA because they have the reigning two-time MVP. What makes them different are the returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter. Those bubble studs missed the entirety of the 2021 season, and they could make this club contenders if they stay healthy.
These teams traded off their four meetings last season, with Denver winning 13 of their last 16 games over OKC in total.
The Thunder (0-1) battled in their opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they were unable to prevail. The T'Wolves finished that game with a 28-21 fourth quarter to grab a 115-108 win, despite OKC battling all night long. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was astounding in that opener, collecting 32 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Josh Giddey also had a double-double of his own, developing this duo into one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. The next step is to get the frontcourt up to par, but that will take some time. Aleksej Pokusevski is still growing into his body, while Chet Holmgren will spend this year rehabbing from foot surgery. That has them as one of the favorites for the top pick next year, but we're not far from completing this lengthy rebuild.
The Nuggets (1-1) had one of the worst opening night performances on Wednesday, losing to the Utah Jazz by 21 points. That's a rebuilding team that Denver was expected to roll, but it was nice to see Denver bounce back on Friday. They went into Golden State and beat the 2022 Champion Warriors, maintaining the lead for the final three quarters. It's strange to have such different outcomes in the first two games, but it feels likely that Denver was looking ahead to that Warriors matchup. This is still expected to be one of the best teams in the NBA because they have the reigning two-time MVP. What makes them different are the returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter. Those bubble studs missed the entirety of the 2021 season, and they could make this club contenders if they stay healthy.
These teams traded off their four meetings last season, with Denver winning 13 of their last 16 games over OKC in total.
Kings Host Clippers on Saturday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
The Clippers (1-0) showed why they're one of the best teams in the NBA on Thursday, winning with depth. They had no player score more than 15 points in that victory over the Lakers, but they had every important player produce. Paul George and John Wall led the club with 15 points apiece, while Kawhi Leonard totaled 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench in his return to action. That was his first game in nearly two years, and it's encouraging to see them play so well despite how limited Kawhi was. Ivica Zubac was the star of the show, collecting 14 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks. That sort of dominance in the paint makes this a different team, and another leap from him will make this already deep team even deeper.
The Kings (0-1) did their usual thing in the opener, blowing a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers. They allowed Portland to close on a 10-2 run to complete their comeback win, and stretches like that have become way too familiar for this underachieving team. This club has the longest streak of postseasons missed, and many people have them pegged to extend that streak once again. De'Aaron Fox averaged 30 points per game in the final month of last season and carried that over with 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in that opening defeat. Domantas Sabonis is the one who let them down, finishing with just 13 points and four rebounds before fouling out. That All-Star is too good to post lines like that, and Sacramento needs him to do more to end that nightmarish streak.
These clubs split their four meetings last season. The Clippers have dominated this series over recent years, winning 35 of their last 45 games over the Kings dating back to 2010.
The Clippers (1-0) showed why they're one of the best teams in the NBA on Thursday, winning with depth. They had no player score more than 15 points in that victory over the Lakers, but they had every important player produce. Paul George and John Wall led the club with 15 points apiece, while Kawhi Leonard totaled 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench in his return to action. That was his first game in nearly two years, and it's encouraging to see them play so well despite how limited Kawhi was. Ivica Zubac was the star of the show, collecting 14 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks. That sort of dominance in the paint makes this a different team, and another leap from him will make this already deep team even deeper.
The Kings (0-1) did their usual thing in the opener, blowing a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers. They allowed Portland to close on a 10-2 run to complete their comeback win, and stretches like that have become way too familiar for this underachieving team. This club has the longest streak of postseasons missed, and many people have them pegged to extend that streak once again. De'Aaron Fox averaged 30 points per game in the final month of last season and carried that over with 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in that opening defeat. Domantas Sabonis is the one who let them down, finishing with just 13 points and four rebounds before fouling out. That All-Star is too good to post lines like that, and Sacramento needs him to do more to end that nightmarish streak.
These clubs split their four meetings last season. The Clippers have dominated this series over recent years, winning 35 of their last 45 games over the Kings dating back to 2010.