Los Angeles @ Sacramento preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 26, 2017 ) Sacramento 95, L.A. Clippers 122

Visits to Sacramento typically result in victories for the Los Angeles Clippers, who look to win in California's capital for the 11th straight time when they visit the Kings on Thursday. Los Angeles kept its streak alive with a 97-95 victory Nov. 25 and last lost in Sacramento on March 19, 2013.

Clippers forward Blake Griffin (concussion) has made progress over the past few days, and is questionable for the contest after missing the past two games. Los Angeles ended a 12-game losing streak to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday when shooting guard Lou Williams scored a career-best 50 points and made eight 3-pointers in a 125-106 road win. Sacramento has lost seven of its past nine games and shot a season-worst 34.5 percent during Tuesday's 99-86 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. "It's just that time of year where you have to keep grinding away," Kings coach Dave Joerger told reporters. "We made too many mental mistakes, made some really bad turnovers that are just head-scratchers. The guys are getting better, and we'll just keep plugging away."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Sacramento)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (19-21): Williams scored 27 points in the third quarter against Golden State - the most by any NBA player in any quarter this season - and admitted afterward that the basket resembled the ocean. "Third quarter I had a great stretch," Williams said afterward. "I had a couple of 15-foot jumpers, rhythm shots. Scorers, when we get shots like that, the basket feels extremely big. It was a good night for me and I was able to make shots." Williams has three 40-point outings this season, the most in franchise history since Lloyd Free - who later changed his name to World B. Free - had eight 40-point efforts for the 1979-80 San Diego Clippers.

ABOUT THE KINGS (13-28): Sacramento wants to pick up the pace and play faster now that it has a speedy point guard in rookie De'Aaron Fox but poor shooting performances such as the one against the Lakers sabotages those desires. Fox feels moving the ball faster will create more scoring opportunities but Joerger points out that each player on the floor has to be able to maintain the flow. "It takes all five to run through," Joerger said. "I think there are times where we're not getting everybody up and down the floor, getting guys all the way to the corners. You've got to learn how to play with a speed guy like (Fox) and give him space, because if you give him space you're going to be the beneficiary of it on kickouts and swing arounds."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Clippers are 2-0 against the Kings this season and have won 16 of the past 19 meetings.

2. Sacramento PG George Hill (wife set to give birth) is expected to miss his fourth straight game.

3. Los Angeles SG C.J. Williams (sprained right ankle) departed Wednesday's game in the third quarter and is unlikely to play against the Kings.

PREDICTION: Kings 110, Clippers 108