After sharing the top seed with the Utah Jazz for a week, the Los Angeles Clippers have slipped down to the third spot of the Conference with their latest loss. Much of it has been due to injuries to key players. Can a depleted Clippers side keep pace with the Jazz and the Lakers?

The Sacramento Kings, meanwhile, have been in great form with four victories in their last five games. With so many talented young players, the Kings are one step away from cementing their position as one of the dark horses for the play in spots.

The Clippers face off against the Kings tonight at 3:00 PM EST. Let’s look at the injury reports and the probable lineups of the teams.

Los Angeles Clippers injury updates and predicted lineup

The Clippers suffered their seventh loss of the season as they were beaten by the Boston Celtics 119-115. With their latest loss, they have slipped down to the third seed in the Western Conference.

Injuries surely haven’t helped their cause. They have some major injury concerns ahead of their game against the Kings. Jay Scrubb, their backup shooting guard, is suffering from a foot injury and point guard Patrick Beverley is also sidelined with a knee injury. Superstar Paul George is also sidelined against the Kings as he recovers from a foot injury.

The Clippers had a comfortable victory last time they faced the Kings. They will hope that they can replicate the same and improve their record to 3-0 against the Kings.

Probable Lineup

Reggie Jackson (G)

Luke Kennard (G)

Kawhi Leonard (F)

Nicolas Batum (F)

Serge Ibaka (C)

Sacramento Kings injury updates and predicted lineup

The Kings are finally showing some promise with three victories in a row. These victories have come against top teams like the Celtics and the Nuggets, showing a glimpse of how talented this Sacramento Kings team is.

Much of it has been because of the mercurial form of rookie guard Tyrese Haliburton who is averaging  16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in the last three games. His contribution off the bench has been crucial in their wins.

The Kings have some injury concerns. Their rotational forward DaQuan Jeffries is out with an ankle injury, forward Jabari Parker is out with the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

Coach Luke Walton will hope that his team can continue this amazing run of form against the Clippers who are missing some key players.

Probable Lineup

Buddy Hield (G)

De’Aaron Fox (G)

Marvin Bagley III (F)

Harrison Barnes (F)

Richaun Holmes (C)

Predictions

The Clippers have a depleted side, but with a superstar of Kawhi Leonard’s capability present in the side, anything is possible. Given the form the Kings are in, it will be a very close game, but the Clippers still have a slight edge over the Kings in the matchup.