The Los Angeles Clippers face the Sacramento Kings in an NBA Western Conference showdown on December 31st at 12:00. This match is a crucial survival test for both teams, each dealing with key absences. The Clippers, with a record of 10 wins and 21 losses, are on a four-game winning streak. Kawhi Leonard's impressive form, highlighted by a 55-point performance in the previous game, alongside James Harden, forms a formidable offensive duo. The Clippers lead the league in free throw percentage. However, they are missing key players such as Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell, leaving them at the bottom of the league in interior defense and rebounding. The Sacramento Kings, with a record of 8 wins and 24 losses, are near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They are without key players like Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, relying on DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook. The Kings' away record is 3 wins and 14 losses, with an average of 122.1 points conceded per game. The key factors in this match are whether Leonard can maintain his hot streak against the Kings' loose defense, and if the Kings can exploit the Clippers' lack of assists with their league-ranking fifth in steals. Recommendation: Over