The Clippers beat Sacramento 121-96 without trailing, and their reserves supplied 50 of the points. Friday's game at the Lakers will show whether that depth holds up against a team that won 53 games last season.
The bench built the rout as much as Garland did.
The Clippers never trailed Wednesday, led by as many as 28 and did not give up a single lead change. Darius Garland scored 30, but the second unit did just as much. Brook Lopez had 17 points and 11 rebounds and was +18 in 27 minutes. Nineteen-year-old rookie Keaton Wagler added 15 points and five assists and went 3-of-6 on threes. Gradey Dick scored 12 on four field-goal attempts. ESPN noted that the team opened without owner Steve Ballmer, who is serving a one-year league suspension.
The Lakers come in unbeaten but not fully healthy.
The Clippers play at the Lakers on Friday, October 23, then at Oklahoma City on October 25 and host the Lakers at Intuit Dome on October 28. JJ Redick's team is 1-0 after going 53-29 last season, when Luka Doncic averaged 33.5 points. Collin Sexton, Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr are all listed day-to-day.
The Clippers need their depth until November.
Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal, Max Strus and Konan Niederhauser are all out, each projected back on November 8. Jordan Miller's target date is March 2. That leaves Tyronn Lue leaning on a 38-year-old center and a 19-year-old guard. Wednesday suggested both can handle real minutes, but Sacramento did not test them much.
Hachimura's shooting is the open question.
Rui Hachimura started and played 32 minutes but went 3-of-13, including 2-of-7 on threes. Last season he made 44.3 percent of his threes. With Ingram out, Hachimura is the natural second scorer at forward. Whether his shot comes back against the Lakers will say more about this rotation than a blowout of the Kings did.
When do the Clippers play the Lakers?
The Clippers play at the Lakers on Friday, October 23. The teams meet again on October 28 at Intuit Dome.
When will Brandon Ingram return for the Clippers?
Ingram is out with an Achilles injury and is projected back on November 8. He resumed court work on October 15.
