Kings vs Clippers preview: TV, time, odds, injury update and keys to win

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The Sacramento Kings (8-24) are taking on the Los Angeles Clippers (10-21) in a matchup at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California at 11 p.m. ET (8 p.m. PT) on Dec. 30.

The Kings, having lost seven of their previous 10 games, are coming off of a, 125-101, loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 28. DeMar DeRozan led with 22 points.

Both teams are near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Kings sit at No. 14, while the Clippers, 2.5 games ahead of Sacramento, are currently at No. 13.

The Clippers are 5-5 in their last 10 games, including their previous 112-99 win against the Detroit Pistons behind Kawhi Leonard's career-high, 55 points.

Here's what you need to know about Tuesday's matchup between the Kings and Clippers.

Sacramento Kings: Fall short in blowout loss vs. Lakers

Kings keys to victory

Don't allow L.A.'s veteran superstars to dominate: The Clippers have two guys who can fill up the stat sheet in James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Leonard is coming off of a career-high 55 points against the Pistons. Harden quietly added 28 in that game. Kings have to focus on these two, not allowing them to go on a scoring rampage.
Hustle and effort: The Kings have to rely on their energy to take them to the level that they aspire to be at. Guys have to dive on the floor, be the first to loose balls and be aggressive defensively. Grab rebounds, get steals and blocked shots.
Defend the paint: The Clippers are a top-15 team in the NBA when it comes to players driving to the basket, led by James Harden who is 13th at drives-to-the-basket. Sacramento needs to contain that with defensive team rotations in help, moving their feet, be in the right spots to defend shots or a lob pass attempt. Try and take a charge, or two.
Play aggressive on offense: The Kings should look to play aggressive on offense: drive to the hole early and often, get their bigs like Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez in foul trouble and get to the free throw line. Play an inside-out to create open looks from three-point distance.

Kings injury report

Sacramento will still go into the game shorthanded as key starters remain out for the Kings, however rotational big man Drew Eubanks is expected to be cleared for return after suffering a left thumb avulsion fracture.

Forward Keegan Murray underwent MRI imaging on his right calf after exiting the game at halftime versus the Detroit Pistons on December 23.

The team announced on Dec. 26 that imaging revealed Murray sustained a mild calf strain. His status is listed as out and will be re-evaluated in one week.

Kings center Domantas Sabonis remains out as he continues to progress through the current phase of his rehabilitation for a partial meniscus tear in his left knee, the team reported. He is still dealing with soreness in his left knee and was ruled out.

The Kings reported on Dec. 19 that Sabonis would be re-evaluated in approximately four to five weeks, based on his clinical progress.

Zach LaVine is still out as he nurses a left ankle sprain.