Clippers hoping to move on, Kings hoping to move up in new season

The Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings will open their new NBA regular season against each other on Wednesday in Inglewood, California. The Clippers are entering an uncertain era following the departure of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto alongside an NBA investigation and draft punishment. Meanwhile, the Kings enter the season aiming to improve after missing the playoffs for the 19th time in 20 seasons.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue will center his defense-focused squad around Darius Garland, though several players including Brandon Ingram and Bradley Beal remain sidelined with injuries. Sacramento, coached by Doug Christie, will lean on returning starters Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray, alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr., despite newcomer Ben Simmons being lost for the year.