Kings at Clippers · Recap

Wed, Oct 21 · 10:30 PM ETIntuit Dome

0-1

Final

96–121

1-0

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	T
SAC	29	25	16	26	96
LAC	41	20	32	28	121

Largest lead LAC 28 pts · 0 lead changes · 1 tie · LAC led 98% of the game

Updated 20 h ago · news 33 h ago · box score via ESPN fetched Oct 22, 1:00 AM ET · source status

SAC

This game

LAC

42.4% FG (36/85)

Field goals

52.4% FG (43/82)

28.6% 3PT (8/28)

3-pointers

40.0% 3PT (14/35)

57.1% FT (16/28)

Free throws

67.7% FT (21/31)

42 reb 11 off · 31 def

Rebounds

49 reb 11 off · 38 def

17 tov

Turnovers

18 tov

48 pts

Points in the paint

56 pts

All team stats (14)

22 ast

Assists

29 ast

10 stl

Steals

14 stl

0 blk

Blocks

5 blk

21 pts

Points off turnovers

23 pts

18 pts

Fast-break pts

27 pts

23 PF

Fouls

24 PF

0 pts

Largest lead

28 pts

0% of the game

Time led

98% of the game

Team totals from the box score via ESPN; ▲ marks the better side.

Final box score

box score via ESPN · final · fetched Oct 22, 1:00 AM ET

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Darius Acuff Jr. G	35 min	12 pts	5-24 FG	0-7 3PT	2-5 FT	3 reb	3 ast	4 tov	3 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-23 +/-
Zach LaVine G	34 min	28 pts	10-19 FG	3-8 3PT	5-8 FT	4 reb	4 ast	4 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-16 +/-
Domantas Sabonis F	34 min	14 pts	5-5 FG	0-0 3PT	4-4 FT	18 reb	8 ast	3 tov	1 stl	0 blk	3 PF	-9 +/-
Keegan Murray F	28 min	2 pts	1-8 FG	0-4 3PT	0-0 FT	4 reb	0 ast	0 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-6 +/-
De'Andre Hunter F	20 min	6 pts	2-5 FG	2-2 3PT	0-4 FT	3 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	4 PF	-24 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Precious Achiuwa F	29 min	15 pts	5-8 FG	1-1 3PT	4-5 FT	5 reb	2 ast	1 tov	2 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-3 +/-
Nique Clifford G	17 min	6 pts	3-7 FG	0-2 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	3 ast	3 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-7 +/-
Emanuel Sharp G	17 min	8 pts	3-6 FG	2-4 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	0 ast	1 tov	1 stl	0 blk	5 PF	-18 +/-
Daeqwon Plowden G	13 min	4 pts	2-3 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	1 ast	0 tov	1 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-7 +/-
Jonathan Mogbo F	8 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-8 +/-
Alex Karaban F	5 min	1 pt	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	1-2 FT	1 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	-4 +/-
Team		96 pts	36-85 FG	8-28 3PT	16-28 FT	42 reb	22 ast	17 tov	10 stl	0 blk	23 PF

1 did not play: Leaky Black (coach's decision)

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Rui Hachimura F	32 min	10 pts	3-13 FG	2-7 3PT	2-5 FT	8 reb	2 ast	3 tov	1 stl	1 blk	2 PF	+13 +/-
Darius Garland G	32 min	30 pts	11-19 FG	3-8 3PT	5-8 FT	1 reb	4 ast	3 tov	1 stl	0 blk	1 PF	+15 +/-
Kris Dunn G	27 min	7 pts	2-5 FG	2-5 3PT	1-2 FT	5 reb	7 ast	2 tov	3 stl	2 blk	3 PF	+12 +/-
Derrick Jones Jr. F	26 min	8 pts	3-4 FG	1-2 3PT	1-2 FT	6 reb	5 ast	1 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+18 +/-
Isaiah Jackson F	15 min	13 pts	6-8 FG	0-0 3PT	1-2 FT	5 reb	0 ast	1 tov	1 stl	0 blk	4 PF	+5 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Keaton Wagler G	29 min	15 pts	4-8 FG	3-6 3PT	4-4 FT	5 reb	5 ast	1 tov	2 stl	0 blk	3 PF	+14 +/-
Brook Lopez C	27 min	17 pts	7-12 FG	1-3 3PT	2-2 FT	11 reb	1 ast	2 tov	1 stl	1 blk	2 PF	+18 +/-
Kobe Sanders G	19 min	2 pts	1-5 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	3 ast	1 tov	3 stl	0 blk	3 PF	+14 +/-
Gradey Dick G	19 min	12 pts	3-4 FG	1-2 3PT	5-6 FT	4 reb	0 ast	2 tov	0 stl	1 blk	4 PF	+3 +/-
Baba Miller F	9 min	4 pts	2-2 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	3 reb	1 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+4 +/-
Jalen Pickett G	2 min	3 pts	1-1 FG	1-1 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	1 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+3 +/-
Cam Christie G	2 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+3 +/-
Nick Martinelli F	2 min	0 pts	0-1 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+3 +/-
Team		121 pts	43-82 FG	14-35 3PT	21-31 FT	49 reb	29 ast	17 tov	14 stl	5 blk	24 PF

How it went

key plays in our words · scores, lead changes, runs, timeouts and fouls on starters · play-by-play via ESPN

Q1 · SAC 29, LAC 41 (SAC 29–41 LAC in the period)

11:48FoulOffensive foul on Sabonis (1 PF)
11:36FoulShooting foul on LaVine (1 PF)
11:313-pointerGarland 3-pt jumper (assist: Jones Jr.) · LAC 3–0
11:15BasketSabonis driving layup (assist: LaVine) · SAC 2–3
11:15FoulShooting foul on Jackson (1 PF)
11:15Free throwSabonis free throw 1 of 1 · SAC 3–3
11:003-pointerDunn 3-pt jumper (assist: Jones Jr.) · LAC 6–3
10:37BasketGarland running pull-up jumper · LAC 8–3
10:153-pointerGarland 3-pt running jumper (assist: Dunn) · LAC 11–3 LAC 8–0 run
10:013-pointerLaVine 3-pt step-back jumper · SAC 6–11
9:48FoulPersonal foul on Hunter (1 PF)
9:223-pointerGarland 3-pt pull-up jumper · LAC 14–6
9:08BasketLaVine driving dunk (assist: Acuff Jr.) · SAC 8–14
8:51FoulPersonal foul on Murray (1 PF)
8:46FoulOffensive foul on Dunn (1 PF)
8:25BasketHachimura running layup · LAC 16–8
8:25FoulShooting foul on Hunter (2 PF)
8:25Free throwHachimura free throw 1 of 1 · LAC 17–8
8:023-pointerHunter 3-pt jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 11–17
7:47BasketGarland pull-up bank jumper (assist: Dunn) · LAC 19–11
7:333-pointerHunter 3-pt jumper (assist: Acuff Jr.) · SAC 14–19
6:52FoulShooting foul on Jackson (2 PF)
6:52TimeoutTimeout LAC
6:52Free throwLaVine free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 15–19
6:37BasketJones Jr. alley-oop dunk (assist: Dunn) · LAC 21–15
6:04BasketLopez driving reverse layup (assist: Jones Jr.) · LAC 23–15
5:33BasketAcuff Jr. running layup · SAC 17–23
4:29FoulShooting foul on Hachimura (1 PF)
4:153-pointerJones Jr. 3-pt jumper (assist: Wagler) · LAC 26–17
4:02FoulLoose-ball foul on Hunter (3 PF)
4:02Free throwGarland free throw 1 of 2 · LAC 27–17
4:02Free throwGarland free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 28–17
3:40BasketWagler driving layup (assist: Sanders) · LAC 30–17 LAC 11–2 run
3:22BasketSabonis layup (assist: Achiuwa) · SAC 19–30
3:22Free throwSabonis free throw 1 of 1 · SAC 20–30
3:10Free throwGarland free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 31–20
2:41BasketLopez running dunk · LAC 33–20
2:40TimeoutTimeout SAC
2:12BasketClifford pull-up jumper · SAC 22–33
1:473-pointerDick 3-pt jumper (assist: Wagler) · LAC 36–22
1:36BasketLaVine step-back jumper (assist: Achiuwa) · SAC 24–36
1:11BasketAchiuwa running finger-roll layup · SAC 26–36
1:00Free throwDick free throw 1 of 2 · LAC 37–26
1:00Free throwDick free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 38–26
48.5 s3-pointerWagler 3-pt running pull-up jumper (assist: Sanders) · LAC 41–26
42.1 sBasketPlowden driving layup · SAC 28–41
23.6 sFree throwAchiuwa free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 29–41
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q1 · LAC 41, SAC 29

Q2 · SAC 54, LAC 61 (SAC 25–20 LAC in the period)

11:48Free throwLopez free throw 1 of 2 · LAC 42–29
11:48Free throwLopez free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 43–29
11:19BasketDick driving layup (assist: Lopez) · LAC 45–29
10:56BasketDick running pull-up jumper (assist: Hachimura) · LAC 47–29
10:53TimeoutTimeout SAC
10:413-pointerSharp 3-pt step-back jumper (assist: Acuff Jr.) · SAC 32–47
10:22Free throwHachimura free throw 1 of 2 · LAC 48–32
9:42Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 33–48
9:42Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 34–48
9:24BasketSharp running layup · SAC 36–48
7:39Free throwLaVine free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 37–48
7:39Free throwLaVine free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 38–48
7:24BasketJones Jr. driving finger-roll layup (assist: Dunn) · LAC 50–38
7:063-pointerLaVine 3-pt pull-up jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 41–50
6:48TimeoutTimeout SAC
6:35BasketAchiuwa layup (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 43–50 SAC 11–2 run
6:08BasketJackson tip-in · LAC 52–43
5:48BasketJackson driving dunk (assist: Garland) · LAC 54–43
5:30BasketJackson running dunk (assist: Hachimura) · LAC 56–43
5:16FoulShooting foul on Hachimura (2 PF)
5:16Free throwSabonis free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 44–56
5:16Free throwSabonis free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 45–56
5:02FoulOffensive foul on Jackson (3 PF)
4:51BasketSabonis cutting dunk (assist: LaVine) · SAC 47–56
4:02FoulPersonal foul on Garland (1 PF)
3:563-pointerLaVine 3-pt step-back jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 50–56
3:15BasketGarland running layup (assist: Jones Jr.) · LAC 58–50
2:45FoulShooting foul on LaVine (2 PF)
2:45Free throwDunn free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 59–50
2:28FoulShooting foul on Dunn (2 PF)
1:58BasketAcuff Jr. driving floater · SAC 52–59
14.6 sFoulShooting foul on Jones Jr. (1 PF)
12.4 sBasketLaVine driving finger-roll layup · SAC 54–59
5.2 sBasketLopez putback layup · LAC 61–54
0.0 sPeriodHalftime · LAC 61, SAC 54

Q3 · SAC 70, LAC 93 (SAC 16–32 LAC in the period)

11:32FoulPersonal foul on Dunn (3 PF)
11:25BasketAcuff Jr. driving layup (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 56–61
11:25TimeoutTimeout LAC
10:46BasketGarland driving floater · LAC 63–56
10:15BasketJackson turnaround hook (assist: Dunn) · LAC 65–56
9:47BasketJackson driving layup (assist: Dunn) · LAC 67–56
9:47FoulShooting foul on Sabonis (2 PF)
9:30FoulShooting foul on Acuff Jr. (1 PF)
9:30Free throwJones Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 68–56
8:55FoulPersonal foul on Jackson (4 PF)
8:41BasketJackson alley-oop layup (assist: Garland) · LAC 70–56 LAC 11–2 run
8:41FoulShooting foul on Hunter (4 PF)
8:41Free throwJackson free throw 1 of 1 · LAC 71–56
8:25BasketSabonis turnaround hook · SAC 58–71 LAC 10–2 run
8:09BasketGarland driving finger-roll layup · LAC 73–58
7:20Free throwLaVine free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 59–73
7:20Free throwLaVine free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 60–73
6:59BasketSabonis cutting dunk (assist: LaVine) · SAC 62–73
6:25FoulPersonal foul on Jones Jr. (2 PF)
5:35FoulShooting foul on Sabonis (3 PF)
5:35Free throwGarland free throw 1 of 2 · LAC 74–62
5:35Free throwGarland free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 75–62
5:05BasketClifford running layup (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 64–75
4:493-pointerHachimura 3-pt jumper (assist: Wagler) · LAC 78–64
4:23Free throwWagler free throw 1 of 2 · LAC 79–64
4:23Free throwWagler free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 80–64
3:213-pointerSharp 3-pt jumper (assist: Clifford) · SAC 67–80
2:57BasketLopez alley-oop layup (assist: Jones Jr.) · LAC 82–67
2:413-pointerDunn 3-pt running jumper (assist: Wagler) · LAC 85–67
1:53BasketAchiuwa finger-roll layup (assist: Clifford) · SAC 69–85
1:53Free throwAchiuwa free throw 1 of 1 · SAC 70–85
1:38BasketLopez turnaround hook · LAC 87–70
1:10BasketLopez turnaround jumper · LAC 89–70
42.9 sFree throwDick free throw 1 of 2 · LAC 90–70
42.9 sFree throwDick free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 91–70
4.3 sBasketSanders driving layup · LAC 93–70 LAC 8–0 run
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q3 · LAC 93, SAC 70

Q4 · SAC 96, LAC 121 (SAC 26–28 LAC in the period)

11:33BasketAcuff Jr. driving layup · SAC 72–93
10:59BasketAcuff Jr. running layup (assist: Hunter) · SAC 74–93
10:24BasketGarland pull-up jumper · LAC 95–74
10:12BasketLaVine pull-up jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 76–95
9:503-pointerLopez 3-pt step-back jumper (assist: Sanders) · LAC 98–76
9:08BasketMurray turnaround jumper · SAC 78–98
8:54BasketGarland driving layup · LAC 100–78
8:24FoulShooting foul on Murray (2 PF)
8:24Free throwWagler free throw 1 of 2 · LAC 101–78
8:24Free throwWagler free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 102–78
8:04FoulShooting foul on Acuff Jr. (2 PF)
8:04Free throwDick free throw 2 of 2 · LAC 103–78
7:51BasketLaVine driving finger-roll layup (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 80–103
7:11BasketMiller driving dunk (assist: Garland) · LAC 105–80
6:473-pointerWagler 3-pt running jumper (assist: Garland) · LAC 108–80 LAC 10–2 run
6:343-pointerAchiuwa 3-pt jumper (assist: Clifford) · SAC 83–108
6:18BasketGarland driving floater (assist: Miller) · LAC 110–83
6:11BasketLaVine driving layup · SAC 85–110
5:44BasketPlowden running dunk (assist: LaVine) · SAC 87–110
5:15BasketLaVine running layup (assist: Plowden) · SAC 89–110
4:20Free throwAchiuwa free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 90–110 SAC 10–2 run
4:20Free throwAchiuwa free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 91–110
3:42BasketClifford turnaround jumper · SAC 93–110
3:113-pointerWagler 3-pt jumper (assist: Dunn) · LAC 113–93
2:283-pointerHachimura 3-pt step-back jumper (assist: Wagler) · LAC 116–93
1:58Free throwKaraban free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 94–116
1:40BasketMiller putback layup · LAC 118–94
47.7 s3-pointerPickett 3-pt jumper (assist: Martinelli) · LAC 121–94 LAC 11–1 run
34.1 sBasketAchiuwa fadeaway jumper · SAC 96–121
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q4 · LAC 121, SAC 96

Things to watch

set before tip, answered from the box score after

Does Malik Monk play? No
At tip: Out (X)
What happened: Did not play

Before the game: the story

Opinion Kings open without Ben Simmons after his torn Achilles

Sacramento announced that Ben Simmons tore his Achilles tendon and will have surgery, ESPN reported, an injury likely to end his season after a strong training camp. CBS Sports said he had been expected to start, and James Ham of Locked On Kings says Christie's planned starting five will now never play together.

Sources: ESPN story (1, 2, 3) · Locked On Kings “KINGS QUESTIONS: How much will the Ben Simmons inj” at 13:34 · Ben Simmons status (Bluesky)

Also in the picture (3)

Reported Darius Acuff Jr. makes his NBA debut at Intuit Dome
Law Murray reports that Kings rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. debuts against the Clippers. Clippers guard Darius Garland praised the 2026 draft class, saying teammate Keaton Wagler has gained "a lot of confidence" with the team.
Sources: Law Murray (@lawmurraythenu.bsky.social) on Bluesky · NBA schedule
Reported Clippers open without Ingram, Beal, Strus and others
Newcomer Brandon Ingram and Bradley Beal (knee) are out. Max Strus has a partially torn plantar fascia, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports. Hardwood Knocks hosts say Ingram has a partially torn Achilles, and Locked On Clippers expects him back around early December. Konan Niederhauser and Jordan Miller are also out.
Sources: Locked On Clippers “Biggest Takeaways From LA Clippers Preseason” at 14:13 · Hardwood Knocks “1 Big Question For Every NBA Teams In The Western” at 19:53 · Bradley Beal status (ESPN) · Brandon Ingram status (ESPN) · Jordan Miller status (ESPN)
Opinion Lue names Isaiah Jackson the Clippers' opening-week starting center
Tyronn Lue named Isaiah Jackson his starting center for Week 1, Law Murray and Underdog NBA report. Lue joked that he "can't remember" the rest of the lineup. A Locked On Clippers host thinks Kris Dunn should start to help with rebounding and physicality.
Sources: Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) on X · Law Murray (@lawmurraythenu.bsky.social) on Bluesky · Locked On Clippers “Biggest Takeaways From LA Clippers Preseason” at 3:02, 13:09

Written by our system from the reports, posts and podcasts linked here, in our own words; written Oct 21, 11:10 AM ET, before tip. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Since the final

posted after the final · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

XSAC33 h ago
Keegan Murray is now officially listed as questionable with right ankle capsulitis. Max Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell and Be Simmons are all out.
@James_HamNBA · View on X
ESPNSACKeegan MurrayDay-to-day34 h ago
Murray is questionable to play Sunday against the Grizzlies due to left ankle capsulitis.
Ankle (return est. 2026-10-25)ESPN · Original ↗also reported by RotoWire, @UnderdogNBA, @James_HamNBA
XLAC36 h ago
Clippers injury report vs. Thunder remains the same. The following are OUT: Bradley Beal - Right Knee Injury Management Brandon Ingram - Right Heel Surgery Jordan Miller - Left Rotator Cuff Surgery Yanic Konan Niederhäuser- Right Lisfranc Surgery Max Strus - Right Plantar
@TomerAzarly · View on X
RotoWireSACDomantas SabonisOct 24
Domantas Sabonis: Triple-doubles in loss — Sabonis totaled 27 points (10-13 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 19 rebounds, 10 assists and five turnovers across 39 minutes in Friday's 128-120 loss to the Trail Blazers.
RotoWire · Original ↗
XSACKeegan MurrayOct 24
Doug Christie said that Keegan Murray had gone to the locker room at some point. He came back out and was ready to play, but it had been a while so he held him out as a precaution.
@James_HamNBA · View on X
XSACMalik MonkAbout an earlier gameOct 24
6. Joined the party...sort of. Malik Monk missed all of preseason and the first game of the season due to an ankle problem. He made his way back out onto the court in game two and he is clearly not in rhythm yet. Monk played 12 minutes and went 0-for-6 from the field.
@James_HamNBA · View on Xalso reported by @UnderdogNBA
XSACDarius Acuff Jr.Oct 24
2. Figured it out. After a tough shooting night in the opener, rookie Darius Acuff Jr. struggled early with his shot. He woke up in the third and started attacking the rim, getting to the line and scoring in bunches. Acuff dropped 22 of his 33 points in the second half. WOW.
@James_HamNBA · View on Xalso reported by @blakemurphy.bsky.social
XLACRui HachimuraOct 23
successful challenge and Lakers win jump ball, but they fail to score on ATO and Rui Hachimura cashes out on a catch 3
@LawMurrayTheNU · View on X

Show 7 older items

XLACRui HachimuraOct 23
Big ovation for Rui Hachimura after the rest of his teammates got booed in starting lineup
@LawMurrayTheNU · View on X
BlueskyLACRui HachimuraAbout an earlier gameOct 23
Asked JJ Redick about Rui Hachimura, who is making his return to downtown Los Angeles as a member of the Clippers tonight
@lawmurraythenu.bsky.social · View on Bluesky
XSACMalik MonkAvailableOct 23
Malik Monk (ankle) listed available to play Friday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
XSACMalik MonkProbableOct 23
Malik Monk is listed as probable for tonight’s home opener, as reported last night. Good sign for the Kings.
@James_HamNBA · View on X
ESPNSACMalik MonkDay-to-dayOct 22
Monk (ankle) is probable for Friday's game against Portland.
Left, Ankle, Soreness (return est. 2026-10-23)ESPN · Original ↗
RotoWireLACDarius GarlandOct 22
Darius Garland: Erupts for game-high 30 in opener — Garland accumulated 30 points (11-19 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 5-8 FT), one rebound, four assists and one steal over 32 minutes during Wednesday's 121-96 victory over the Kings.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireSACZach LaVineOct 22
Zach LaVine: Pours in team-high 28 in season opener — LaVine recorded 28 points (10-19 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 5-8 FT), four rebounds and four assists over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 121-96 loss to the Clippers.
RotoWire · Original ↗

Injuries at tip

official report Oct 21 · as of tip, Oct 21, 10:30 PM ET

SAC Sacramento Kings

Started Acuff Jr., LaVine, Sabonis, Murray, Hunter box score

Ben SimmonsOut
Simmons underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.
Right, Achilles, Surgery (return est. 2027-10-01) · ESPN Oct 21
Dylan CardwellOut
Cardwell (calf) is expected to miss at least the first five or six games of the regular season, with a longer absence possible, Frankie Cartoscelli of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Left, Calf, Strain (return est. 2026-11-02) · ESPN Oct 15
Malik MonkOut
Malik Monk has officially been ruled out for the opener in LA: https://t.co/O8KWBTgDNo
X Oct 21
Maxime RaynaudOut
Raynaud (knee) is expected to miss at least the first five or six games of the regular season, and potentially longer, Frankie Cartoscelli of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Right, Knee, Dislocated (return est. 2026-11-02) · ESPN Oct 15

LAC LA Clippers

Started Hachimura, Garland, Dunn, Jones Jr., Jackson box score

Bradley BealOut
Beal (knee) will not be ready for the start of the regular season, NBA writer Justin Russo reports.
Right, Knee, Inflammation (return est. 2026-11-08) · ESPN Oct 14
Brandon IngramOut
Injury/Illness - Right Heel Surgery · NBA report Oct 21
Jordan MillerOut
Miller underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left rotator cuff and will be re-evaluated in six months, per Law Murray of The Athletic.
Left, Shoulder, Surgery (return est. 2027-03-02) · ESPN Aug 26
Max StrusOut
Strus has been diagnosed with a partially torn plantar fascia in his right foot and he will be re-evaluated in four weeks, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports.
Right, Foot, Plantar Fasciitis (return est. 2026-11-08) · ESPN Oct 5
Yanic Konan NiederhauserOut
Niederhauser (foot) won't be ready for the start of the season, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
Right, Foot, Surgery (return est. 2026-11-08) · ESPN Sep 28

Latest news

posted before tip · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

XSACOct 21
Kings are starting Darius Acuff Jr, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Domantas Sabonis tonight at LA
@LawMurrayTheNU · View on X
ESPNSACMalik MonkOutOct 21
Monk (ankle) won't play Wednesday versus the Clippers.
Left, Ankle, Soreness (return est. 2026-10-23)ESPN · Original ↗
BlueskyLACKris DunnAvailableOct 21
Kris Dunn will start at shooting guard for the LA Clippers tonight
@lawmurraythenu.bsky.social · View on Blueskyalso reported by @LawMurrayTheNU
XLACOct 21
Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Max Strus, and Brandon Ingram are making progress in their recoveries, but won’t play this week for the Clippers and won’t make trip to OKC. Bradley Beal is going through the process to control inflammation in his knee.
@TomerAzarly · View on X
XLACOct 21
Yanic Konan Niederhäuser Max Strus Brandon Ingram Bradley Beal Are all out for Week 1. Won’t travel to OKC with Clippers
@LawMurrayTheNU · View on X
BlueskySACOct 21
Kings injury report for Game 1: Dylan Cardwell (Left Calf Strain) - OUT, Malik Monk (Left Ankle Soreness) - QUESTIONABLE, Maxime Raynaud (Right Patella Subluxation) - OUT, Ben Simmons (Right Achilles Tendon Rupture/Tear) - OUT
@jameshamnba.bsky.social · View on Blueskyalso reported by @James_HamNBA

Schedule & travel · referees

	SAC	LAC
Days of rest	4	6
Back-to-back	No	No
Games in last 7 days	1	1
Travel to this game (est.)	1,208 mi	0 mi
Travel last 7 days (est.)	1,208 mi	0 mi
Time zones crossed	2	0
Road trip game #	2	—

Travel is the straight-line distance between arenas from the schedule, an estimate; in the first week they include preseason games. These numbers describe the schedule; they are not a prediction of how a team will play.

Referees: Mark Lindsay, Ray Acosta, Brett Nansel

After the game

posted after the final · newest Oct 23 · sources checked 5 h ago · each item links to where it came from

SAC Sacramento Kings

Drama CBS Sports · Story · Oct 22
Clippers coach Ty Lue dedicates opening night win to suspended Steve Ballmer: 'We're still fighting for him'
Lue made sure to shoutout the Clippers' suspended owner after beating the Kings
source ↗
Availability Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective host · Analysis · Oct 23
Ben Simmons was going to start for the Kings but is out injured. His contract became guaranteed because of the injury, and with the Kings up against the hard cap they couldn't cut him or sign anyone.
“Luka Gets Called Out As Lakers Dominate + Who Made A Game 1 Statement?” at 46:05 · listen ↗
News ESPN · Story · Oct 22
Kawhi-less Clippers roll past the Kings in a wire-to-wire season-opening rout
— Darius Garland scored 30 points and the Clippers routed the Sacramento Kings 121-96 on Wednesday night in Los Angeles' first season opener without
source ↗
Role Locked On Kings · 2 points · Oct 23
- James Ham: Domantas Sabonis took only five shots in 34 minutes and made all five. The team as a whole shot 42.4% from the field. at 3:02
- James Ham: The host says Sabonis appeared to have shaken off the knee injury that limited him to 19 games last season. at 1:56
“Can the Kings create MORE OPPORTUNITIES for Domantas Sabonis on the offensive end?” · listen ↗
RotoWire RotoWire · Report · Oct 22
Domantas Sabonis: Teases triple-double in Wednesday's loss — Sabonis had 14 points (5-5 FG, 4-4 FT), 18 rebounds, eight assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 121-96 loss to the Clippers.
source ↗

LAC LA Clippers

Drama CBS Sports · Story · Oct 22
Clippers coach Ty Lue dedicates opening night win to suspended Steve Ballmer: 'We're still fighting for him'
Lue made sure to shoutout the Clippers' suspended owner after beating the Kings
source ↗
Rotation Locked On Clippers · 3 points · Oct 22
- Darian Vaziri: Opening-night starters: Darius Garland, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., Rui Hachimura and Isaiah Jackson. The host first named Brook Lopez as the fifth starter, then corrected that to Isaiah Jackson. at 1:17
- Darian Vaziri: Keaton Wagler came off the bench and ran the second unit. The host calls it a good role because it gives him on-ball reps when Garland sits. at 1:39
- Darian Vaziri: Jordan Miller was out for the opener. No reason was given. at 1:55
“How The LA Clippers Opening Night Went PERFECTLY” · listen ↗
News ESPN · Story · Oct 22
Clippers open season without owner Steve Ballmer, rout Kings
The Clippers are determined to stay together in the absence of banned owner Steve Ballmer and started the season by routing the Kings 121-96.
source ↗
News ESPN · Story · Oct 22
Kawhi-less Clippers roll past the Kings in a wire-to-wire season-opening rout
— Darius Garland scored 30 points and the Clippers routed the Sacramento Kings 121-96 on Wednesday night in Los Angeles' first season opener without
source ↗

Reporters, insiders and team podcasts after the final. Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts.

Before the game, they said

newest Oct 21 · reporters, insiders, ESPN and team podcasts · each item links to where it came from

SAC Sacramento Kings

Availability All The Smoke host · Report · Oct 21
Ben Simmons went down. The hosts wish him a speedy recovery but give no details of the injury and do not name his team.
“Jalen Hurts Deserved BETTER Than This” at 57:40 · listen ↗
Availability The Athletic NBA Daily host · Analysis · Oct 21
During the card game, a host said rookie Maxime Raynaud is hurt ('I think he's hurt... He is hurt'). No details were given.
“BIG NBA Questions: Slam N Jam LIVE!” at 1:12:25 · listen ↗
Rotation Gil's Arena host · Relayed report · Oct 21
Simmons had been expected to provide experienced ball handling and defensive versatility next to rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr.
“KD Claps Back At Mat Ishbia, PG Finds His LOVE Again In Boston & SGA's MVP THREE-PEAT Chase! Part 2” at 5:12 · listen ↗

LAC LA Clippers

Availability Locked On Clippers · 2 points · Oct 21
- Darian Vaziri: The host is unsure whether Baba Miller will play tonight; he later says he 'should play'. No reason is given. at 27:48
- Darian Vaziri: The host predicts that Garland, Rui Hachimura and Isaiah Jackson will start on opening night. He says no lineup has been announced. name not confirmed at 16:26
“Why Opening Night Is A MUST-WIN For The LA Clippers” · listen ↗

Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts.

Sacramento Kings at LA Clippers, Wed, Oct 21: final, Clippers 121, Kings 96

This game

Final box score

How it went

Q4 · SAC 96, LAC 121 (SAC 26–28 LAC in the period)

Things to watch

Opinion Kings open without Ben Simmons after his torn Achilles

Since the final

Injuries at tip

SAC Sacramento Kings

LAC LA Clippers

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