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First Los Angeles Clippers Game

My First Los Angeles Clippers Game

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After years of watching NBA games, staying up late (while being in Europe) during the playoffs to watch the greatest of the greatest fight against each other in conquest of the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the time had arrived. 7.30 p.m. Kings at Clippers. That was the game that was about to start on a fine Saturday afternoon in LA. That was about to become my first live experience in the courts of the NBA.

My friends and I arrived a little over an hour before the start of the game and I insisted in going straight into the legendary Staples Center, aiming to make the most out of my first, exciting visit and of course having the time to buy some official Clippers clothing from the team boutique.

We parked in a parking space close by the Staples Center and started walking the Staples Center. Here comes the first shock.
This building, in which some of the best players to ever pass from the NBA had played was standing in front of me. Beautiful with the nice purple colored windows and the red “Staples Center” sign above, it was becoming bigger and bigger and more marvelous as we approached.

Doc Rivers LA Clippers We quickly passed the security control, grabbed a bunch of Clippers schedule mouse pad giveaways and headed straight inside the arena. The feeling was just unbelievable. Haven only seen some European basketball arenas, the difference was obviously chaotic from the first second. Some pictures and a few looks around the arena later, we headed towards the alleys, where we had hot dogs and cola (huge hot dogs, really). The Clippers boutique was right outside our gate so I stopped by to buy some Clippers T-Shirts and an amazing white Clips hat. I also grabbed a Paul Pierce jersey for my friend, who has been a fan of him all the way back from his Boston days. Prices in general were very reasonable for LA and US standards and I wouldn’t mind paying even more to get the official and amazing gear I purchased from the team boutique.
That’s because I didn’t know when and if I’d have the chance to visit the arena in the future.

We entered the arena about 30 minutes before the game and there was yet another shock. Our seats were one of the best and really comfortable by the way, a bit above court-side and slightly towards Clippers bench. It was Halloween so lots of fans were dressed up with cute costumes and the director made sure the central giant screens showed the best appearances (the team handed gifts to the top ones, too).

Clippers vs KingsThe two teams entered the court. And there came yet another shock. Some of the stars I’ve been watching playing the game for so many years were right in front of me, ready to start the game. DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Paul Pierce and Lance Stephenson from LA, Rajon Rondo, DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay from Sacramento’s side. And of course, the man in the middle for the Clips, the maestro Doc Rivers. My eye couldn’t have missed the huge rafters on our left, which Rivers had ordered getting changed to Clippers ones (instead of the default-Lakers ones) when the Clips were playing at home.

The pre-game show is a show. An amazing one. It’s how you imagine it plus more. The atmosphere is just amazing, urging you to cheer and rejoice. And I can’t image how better it becomes during playoffs.

Tipoff time. DeAndre got the first tip and the Clippers were headed towards their first offense. It was just amazing seeing the action live, watch the moves in real-time, have the full vision of the court and feeling the reactions from the crowd (yes, not having TV-commentary helps, too). It’s just totally different when you see the live action, it’s as great as it gets !

Chris Paul LA ClippersThe action in the court was really fun. Dunks (the drive of the game came from Lance Stephenson), alley-oops from DJ and Blake Griffin, some amazing shots and in-traffic shots from both sides. Gay and Rondo really got it going, from Sacramento’s side. The experience was just as perfect as I imagined it. The more you love the game, the more you understand it and what it takes for those 10 players on the court to stand where they stand, the more lurid it becomes. And for me it was. Having Steve Ballmer a few feet away from us added something extra to the entire experience, too. What more can you ask for?

Half-time arrived before I knew it and we headed out of the arena for a catch up with friends. And as you may see sometimes on TV, we, too, were late returning for the third quarter. The security guard at the gate didn’t allow us to grab our seats until a whistle, which I found very clever as the distractions for other fans get minimized that way.

During some timeouts, the amazing cheerleaders, who had previously given a fantastic show, were throwing Clippers T-Shirts and guess what, I managed to grab one after it bounced-off some other people in front of me. Had to fight for it. I was so happy! And then, in the next timeout the Clippers Gatling Gun made its appearance. Of course, instead of bullets it was firing Clips T-Shirts again. Amazing, simply amazing.

Blake Griffin LA Clippers GameDuring another timeout, instead of cheerleaders some kids-dancers gave a show and I couldn’t tell if they were real pros or just little kids from school. They were so good. As mentioned above, it’s not just a game. It’s both a show, one of the best you can see and a game, the best you can see.

Come late fourth quarter, the game was very close and the Kings tried to hack-a-Jordan only to receive a T. That shifted the game and a few JJ Redick made free throws later, the Clips received a victory. Happy end for my first NBA game experience.

After the final whistle, my friends started heading towards the exit, although I didn’t want to leave the arena that quickly. I was so amazed that despite the about 15,000 fans present, there were zero queue lines, no overcrowding and it even took us a few meetings to get out of the building. As a matter of fact, one positive experience came after the other before, during and after the game.

We ended our evening with drinks and fun in a local bar in the LA Live area, just behind the Staples Center. And guess what, it was, again, stunning !

Special Thank You to all the guys at Barry’s Tickets for making my dream come true and helping me see my first Los Angeles Clippers game ever! I am looking forward to going to a Clippers December Game and will 100% get my Clippers Tickets from you guys!

Charis Rafailidis

Learn more about the Los Angeles Clippers Coaches.

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Jamal Crawford Four Trade Scenarios for Clippers

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Jamal Crawford Four Trade Scenarios for LA Clippers

Jamal Crawford had been on the trade block since February last year. Doc Rivers recently said in an interview that he would be surprised if Jamal Crawford doesn’t finish the season as a Clipper. And while Rivers could be right, the other, harsh reality is that the Clippers will not trade Crawford just for the sake of unloading his contract. They want something in return, and few teams will offer goodies for a 30+ years old backup guard that doesn’t defend. Crawford can light it up on a given night, and he is way more consistent in doing so than someone like J.R. Smith for example. With that being said, what the Clippers can expect to get back? The Clippers could use a backup small forward and swingman, preferably someone who can defend. They could also use a backup center.

 

Jamal Crawford to Sacramento

This would be an underrated move by the Clippers, but the Sacramento Kings have a player that the Clippers could use, and his name is Omri Casspi. With the signing of Marco Belinelli, the Kings will probably have fewer minutes to offer to Casspi. Omri is a decent defender, and good enough shooter from the distance to work in Clippers. The problem might be the Sacramento Kings organisation, as they already have a logjam at the guard position. However, the Clippers can solve that solution, taking back Darren Collison as well as Casspi. Collison has previously served as a backup to CP3 and played for Doc Rivers in Los Angeles. Or they can try to find a third party to facilitate the trade. In any case, Casspi would fill a role in Los Angeles, and he costs $3 million per year, compared to Crawford and his $4.6 million per year contract.

 

Jamal Crawford to Miami Heat

The Miami Heat were among the teams mentioned during the summer as a likely destination for Jamal Crawford. They would love to have him, but the Clippers might be asking too big of a price. If not, the Heat have the contract of Chris Andersen to offer. The fun part is that this trade looks perfect on paper, as the Clippers will shed money and get a decent backup center in return. Andersen does the same things as Jordan, which is getting lobs, defend, and putbacks via offensive rebounds. The difference is Jordan is more talented and younger.

 

Jamal Crawford to Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons acquired Steve Blake in a trade this summer before he even get to play for the Nets. And the likely scenario is that they would trade him as well, as long as they get a good player or a pick in return. Blake is an ideal candidate for backup in Los Angeles, as he is a stable point guard, one that can run the offence and doesn’t commit turnovers. He is also decent spot-up shooter and costs less than $2 million per year.

 

Jamal Crawford to Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors desperately need someone outside of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan to score. Jamal Crawford fills that void. The Raptors would have to give up Terrence Ross, and they wouldn’t mind to. Ross looks like he is not part of the Raptors future, and with the signing of DeMarre Carroll, he will see even fewer minutes next season. Ross could be a valuable backup SG/SF in Clippers, and he fits well into their strong roster.

Barry’s Ticket Office is located caddy-corner from the Staples Center inside the Luxe Hotel.
Los Angeles Clippers Schedule

Don’t miss any of the action! Barry’s Tickets offers the largest physical assortment of the regular season and LA Clippers game tickets on the web and in person. Barry’s Tickets offers seats to match all budgets including Clippers Courtside Tickets, Lower Level, Premiere Level, 200 & 300 level tickets as well. Barry’s Tickets can get you into the game even if its last minute!

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Lakers Game at LA Staples Center

Lakers December To Remember

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The Lakers ended their 4-10 November record on a high note with a 129-122 victory over the Toronto Raptors, Kobe Bryant getting his 6,000 assist as well as a triple-double becoming the first NBA player in history to score 30,000 points and 6,000 assists. The December Lakers Schedule will feature two of the best teams in the West as the Thunder and Warriors will be coming to the Staples Center.

Lakers vs Pelicans December 7, Average ticket price – $54
The Pelicans who are 7-8 won the first time the teams meet, but that was in New Orleans. Anthony Davis is playing on an MVP level this year, leading the league at PER (34 at the moment), and this is his first visit to the Staples Center this year. Davis and the Pelicans will come for a visit again in April. The December game is his chance to shine on one of the brightest stages in the NBA. Lakers vs Pelicans tickets start at $25.00 per ticket.

Lakers vs Kings, December 9, Average price – $80
More than half of the experts in the league expected the Kings to be a lottery bound team. However, a month into the season and the Kings are just half a game out of the NBA playoff picture, with a realistic shot to make the playoffs this season. Demarcus Cousins is the second best big man in the league at the moment, trailing only Anthony Davis. Fans at the Staples have a chance to see two of the best big man in the league in a span of just a few days. Lakers vs Kings Tickets start at $26.00 per ticket.

Lakers vs Thunder, December 19, Average Price $127
By the time the Thunder came into town, Kevin Durant might be healthy. Even if he is not ready to go, hometown Russell Westbrook is healthy, and in his first game back from injury, Westbrook exploded versus the Knicks. The Thunder are one of the most exciting teams to watch, and they have a little history with the Lakers. Someone is going to have a big night, be it Westbrook, Durant or Kobe. Lakers vs Thunder tickets start at $62.00 per ticket.

Lakers vs Warriors, December 23, Average Price $140
Steph Curry schooled Bryant during a preseason game, and he got a tap on the shoulder from the Black Mamba. This game has the potential to be a high scoring game or a shooting matchup. With the Splash Brothers on one side and Kobe competitiveness on the other, fans are the real winners. Kobe doesn’t forget easily, and he might go directly at the Splash Brothers and challenge them as much as possible. Lakers vs Warriors tickets start at $58.00 per ticket.

Lakers vs Suns, December 28, Average Price $90
Another show time team comes into town just before the New Year’s Eve. Phoenix is currently ranked 8th in the West; a spot Lakers hoped to occupy at the start of the season. With a three-guard lineup, the Suns are fun and exciting, and they play at a fast pace. Thanks to Gerald Green, every game provides at least two highlights. Not that the Lakers play slow, they also like to push the pace. And as much as Gerald Green can do, Wesley Johnson can also provide few highlights here and there. Lakers vs Suns tickets start at $47.00 per ticket.

Use BTIXDEC15 to get a $15.00 off $150.00 or more on on Lakers tickets marked BV!

The Staples Center is located at 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles CA 90015. You can checkout our Lakers Seating Chart if or if you need information about parking at the Staples Center.

You can check out the top games and ticket prices for the Lakers January schedule.

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Western Conference Contenders and Pretenders

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Western Conference

Western Conference

Two weeks into the 2013-2014 NBA season the Western Conference is taking shape. The usual contenders, San Antonio and Oklahoma City are at the top, but with Denver and the Los Angeles Lakers struggling there’s an opportunity for some new contenders to make a playoff run. Here’s a look at the elite, contenders and pretenders of the early NBA season.

The West Elite: (San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors)

The veteran San Antonio Spurs picked up where they left off and are off to a fast start to begin the season. They’re well coached, experienced and deep and should contend for the top record in the NBA all season. If Tim Duncan and Tony Parker can stay healthy, the Spurs are the favourites for a return trip to the finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder welcomed back Russell Westbrook early, and their star point guard seems to be the same explosive player he was before his meniscus tear. The Thunder is 5-1 on the season with their lone loss versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The presence of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook guarantees 55 to 60 wins—how that translates into the postseason is the big question. The Thunder still misses that extra scorer that James Harden once provided. The Los Angeles Clippers are still adjusting to the coaching style of Doc Rivers, but have a deep lineup and bench and an elite point guard in Chris Paul.

The Next in Line: (Minnesota, Memphis, Dallas, Houston)

The Minnesota Timberwolves are finally healthy and displaying the potential that many predicted when Ricky Rubio arrived in the United States. In Rubio, Kevin Love and Nikola Pekovic the Wolves have one of the best trios in basketball and an elite Head Coach in Rick Adelman. The Wolves acquisition of Kevin Martin, who thrived under Adelman in Sacramento, has given the club the strong perimeter shooting two guards they missed. Look for the Wolves to challenge the 50 win mark and reach the playoffs for the first time under Love. Memphis switched Head Coaches, with Dave Joerger taking over for Lionel Hollins. They’ve struggled initially in the transition but still feature the same big and physical lineup that’s worked for them the past three seasons. Marc Gasol is one of the league’s best centers, and he forms perhaps the best center/power forward combination in basketball with Zach Randolph. The Dallas Mavericks, who missed the playoffs last season, have rebuilt to make another run. The newly minted backcourt of Monta Ellis and Jose Calderon is working so far, giving Dirk Nowitzki the guard play he hasn’t had since the Mavs title run. The key for Dallas, like San Antonio, is the health of their veteran players. Over in Houston the Rockets have the potential to be in the elite group but have struggled defensively so far this season. Dwight Howard is showing many of the same inconsistencies he displayed in Los Angeles last season, and he’s not yet providing the interior defensive presence the Rockets desperately need. Houston can score points on anybody; the big question is whether or not they can defend like an NBA title contender. Right now the jury is still out.

On the Upswing: (Portland)

The Blazers are off to a fast start (5-2), although only one victory is over a legit playoff contender (San Antonio). That being said the Blazers look to be a club that can occupy the playoff position(s) that the Lakers and Denver may be vacating. LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the premier power forwards in the game, while Damian Lillard and Nicolas Batum are consistently improving their game. The Blazers have been efficient, reducing turnovers, and are second in the conference in field goal attempts per game. Their +4.0 scoring margin is good for 5th in the conference.

Bubble Teams: (Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans)

Putting the Lakers in the bubble team category may be a stretch. Their success hinges on how close to .500 they are when Kobe Bryant returns. Los Angeles has improved their overall depth and the youth of their roster, but still lacks the quality depth of most NBA playoff contenders. It’s questionable whether or not Steve Nash has anything left in the tank as he battles persistent injuries. If Nash can’t provide the minutes, the Lakers need they may plummet down the standings. The Pelicans are an exciting club. They’ve had some good victories this season as well as some bad performances. They’ve injected some talent into their roster, but it’s still not clear how the backcourt trio of Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon, Jrue Holliday will co-exist due to their high ball usage rate. Inside though the Pelicans have the emerging Anthony Davis who’s quickly becoming the superstar many predicted. Davis alone could be the difference maker that vaults the Pelicans into playoff contention.

The Pretenders: (Sacramento, Denver)

The Sacramento Kings have a talented roster that once again looks like a bunch of spare parts. DeMarcus Cousins is one of the most skilled big men in the game, putting together a solid season. His checkered past though makes it hard to rely on him day in and day out. Ben McLemore has excellent potential, but he’s young and finding his place in the NBA. The Kings have nice depth inside and some solid role players, but due to the consistent roster overhaul, it’s been hard for them to find consistency. They’ll be a lottery team again. Denver, a Western Conference power last season is off to a slow start in the post-George Karl era. Losing crucial several roster components, like Andre Iguodala, Corey Brewer and Kosta Koufus have disrupted their rotation. They still have Ty Lawson to lead the team, but the recent injury to JaVale McGee is another blow to their depth. Denver has a significant home court advantage at Pepsi Center that could make them a fringe playoff contender, but it’s hard to see them making much of a run.
Andrew Wiggins Contenders: (Utah)

The Jazz are the NBA’s worst right now. With Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson playing for other teams the Jazz are relying on the young of Derrick Favors, Gordon Hayward and Enes Kanter to provide the bulk of the scoring. The trio has potential but they’re young and overmatched against the rest of the Western Conference. Utah is solidly positioned to get a high lottery pick with the ability to add a significant piece next June.

Portland Trail Blazers Fan Appreciation Night

Portland Trail Blazers Preseason Brings Hope for the Fans

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The NBA preseason is coming to a close, and most fans are gearing up for the new tip of the 2013-14 regular season. I have predicted that the Portland Trail Blazers tickets are going to have a breakout year. I was hoping to do some research on the preseason stats of this Trail Blazers team, but it does not look as if that is going to happen. The only stat I can find is the overall preseason record for the Trail Blazers. At this point, they are 4-2 with a final preseason game against the Golden State Warriors tickets on October 24th. After six preseason games, there is not a single website on the Internet that has team or player stats. Am I missing something?

Keep on reading!

The record-breaking winning run continues for the LA Clippers as they defeat the Phoenix Suns 103-77

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Once again the Clips showed their teeth and won easily on the road by double digits to record their 13th straight win and the six consecutive on the road. They have already broken their all-time winning record with their last win against the Sacramento Kings. “We hear it all but we’re about just getting these wins and if they come within a streak or when we haven’t won somewhere, that’s fine.” said star forward Blake Griffin after the game. He led all scorers with 23 and some monster dunks during the game. He also grabbed 11 rebounds and made once again clear that he is capable to retain his all-star level gameplay and help his team reach its goals this season. He was successful on 7 of his 11 attempts from the field and also hit a 3-pointer in his 32-minute performance. For yet another time, Clippers Head coach did a great job distributing minutes effectively between the starters and the bench. “I thought our starters did a good job in the first quarter and then our second quarter, we jumped on them” , commented Clippers Coach Vinnie Del Negro.

Chris Paul also had a great game with 17 points and 13 assists. The usual suspects off the bench, Jamal Crawford and Matt Barnes contributed as well as they normally do combining for 37 points. The team shot an overall 55.2% from three point range, 11-21 and also made 38 shots from the field in 71 attempts, 53.5%, while holding their opponents to just 36.3% and a disappointing 3-17 from beyond the arc. Although the Suns had a good start and were up 14-12, two made shots from downtown from Caron Butler boosted the score to 50-69 for the Clips but they didn’t stop there and continued to make it a 31 point game, 60-91 in the end of the third period.

It was a rather non-flattering performance for the Suns, who were left wide open on defense in many times and turned the ball over allowing their opponents to score easy baskets. Jared Dudley had a team-high 19 points and Luis Scola finished with 11, while the rest of the team ended up in single digits. The Suns tied their season low in points scored. Head Coach Alvin Gentry was ejected with 2:33 left in the first half, after receiving two consecutive technical fouls. Six technical fouls were issued to both teams during the first three quarters.

Phoenix played without their star forward Michael Beasly and knew even before the game that this one would be tough for them. The Clippers are still playing without Chauncey Billups and Grant Hill, who both are sidelined with injuries. During their winning streak, they have won by an average of 13 points, four of them are with a 20+ points difference.
The Clippers play in front of their home crowd at Christmas against the Nuggets and then face the Boston Celtics at the Staples Center on Thursday. Last two games of the year are against the Utah Jazz, first one away and the last one, Sunday December 30th at Staples Center. Phoenix plays home on Wednesday night against the Knicks.

Barrys Tickets is an official partner of the Los Angeles Clippers.

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Whats wrong with the Lakers?

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Star center coming off back surgery. CHECK

Former two-time MVP point guard injured two games in. CHECK

A glaring lack of depth forcing the starting unit to play big minutes early on. CHECK
Flashback to this summer after the Howard and Nash trades and it’s hard to believe that six games in Mike Brown’s out and the Lakers are 2-4.

But is it really?

Look beyond the star-power and you have to wonder if Mike Brown isn’t just a convenient scapegoat for a team that may not be as well-constructed as we all thought. Or was Mike Brown simply the wrong coach to begin with? Perhaps he was.

Many point to the Princeton office as a mistake, perhaps rightly so. But were the Lakers issues under Mike Brown offensively related? Take a look at the Hollinger stats and the Lakers sit csolidly at number seven in offensive efficiency, higher ranked than last year. Granted it’s a small sample size but one can make the argument that offense wasn’t really the issue.

Perhaps the problems are much bigger than that.

For Mike Brown’s sake you’d think the Lakers would have at least waited for Steve Nash to return and take a real assessment of the direction of the club. But, that didn’t happen and now they’re in head coach search mode, adding some additional turmoil to the equation. Clearly bringing back the greatest coach in NBA history in Phil Jackson would be a benefit. And, Mike D’Antoni can clearly teach offense and worked perfectly with Steve Nash in Phoenix. Still, head coach aside is this year’s Lakers club really equipped for the long slog through the Western Conference and a likely matchup with the Heat in the finals? For all the star-power there are some real question marks

Defense: It does seem unusual to question the defense of a club that has the top defensive force in the league in Dwight Howard, as well as Metta World Peace and Kobe Bryant. But, there are some real matchup issues that could be pretty evident against top teams. Take the Thunder for example. Who exactly is Steve Nash going to guard? You can put him on Sefalosha, but that forces Kobe Bryant to expend huge energy on the defensive end to guard Russell Westbrook, because Nash clearly can’t. The same holds true of the Heat in an expected finals matchup. The Lakers size is clearly a huge advantage against the Heat small-ball, but if the Heat does go small, with a lineup of James, Bosh, Allen, Battier and Wade you again have to ask the question: who exactly is Steve Nash going to guard?

Does Gasol Really Fit in: You have to wonder if Mitch Kupchak is tossing around any trade ideas for Pau Gasol. A few pundits have speculated on the benefit of perhaps trading Gasol for a player like Ryan Anderson. Anderson would give the Lakers a lot more versatility and a key shooter on the perimeter while providing some relief towards the luxury tax.

The Minutes these guys are playing: The eighty-two game season is a long haul and early on the Lakers vets have been forced to play some real extended minutes. While the Heat’s sudden depth have given them the ability to play their starts relatively light minutes Kobe, World Peace, Howard and Gasol are playing minutes early on that don’t bode well for a long season and an extended playoff run. The sheer amount of game time the stars are getting is directly related to their poor bench. Save the Charlotte Bobcats the Lakers bench may be the worst in basketball. It’s hard to imagine this current roster going head to head in a seven-game battle with a team like San Antonio.

A potential poor playoff seed: With such a veteran roster it’s vital to get a high playoff seed. If the Lakers continue to struggle and don’t receive a top four playoff seed their road to a championship will be that much harder. It’s a lot easier to make a run through the playoffs with home court advantage. It’s a lot harder if it involves being a road team against the likes of San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Still, for all the Lakers question marks they still have the top center in the league one of the greatest point offensive point guards of all time and a top ten all-time player in Kobe Bryant. Their size inside and unique matchup issues will make them a tough out in the postseason. Unlike the Heat, who had time to build their current championship club, the Lakers really don’t have all that much time. If they don’t win this season they’ll head into next year with Bryant and Nash a year older—and the Heat a year wiser.

Lakers face the Sacramento Kings tonight tickets are still available for the game by clicking here.

New venue name for Sacramento Kings same old look

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Sleep Train Arena

Sleep Train Arena

Home of the Sacramento kings formerly known as arco arena

Then power balance arena is now called SLEEP TRAIN ARENA With that said, the Sacramento Kings found a new sponsor to buy the naming rights to their arena. Sleep Train Mattress Centers stepped up, and the Kings’ facility now will be called Sleep Train Arena. The team announced the multiyear deal Monday.

Let the jokes begin the kings who have won only 33 per cent of their games over the last five yrs will put their fans in a DEEP SLUMBER

And if you’re not ready for sleep before a Kings game, you will be after.

Clippers want the Crown

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Preview: Sacramento Kings At L.A. Clippers
When: 10:30 PM ET, Saturday, April 7, 2012
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

THE STORY: A lot has happened in the two days since the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Clippers met. Kings center DeMarcus Cousins was fined $25,000 on Friday for publicly criticizing the officials and also called Clippers forward Blake Griffin “an actor” and said the All-Star was “babied.” “He’s the poster child of the league,” Cousins said. “He sells tickets, but he’s babied. Bottom line.” The teams meet Saturday at Staples Center to complete the home-and-home as the Clippers look to sweep the three-game season series.

TV: 10:30 ET, CSN CA (Kings), FS West (Clippers)

ABOUT THE KINGS (19-36): With 12, Cousins is one technical away from an automatic one-game suspension, but he doesn’t plan to change the way he plays – especially tonight. Cousins fouled out of Thursday’s game after playing just 18 minutes. He scored only eight points and did not attempt a free throw. The Kings are basically out of playoff contention, so playing spoiler is something to which they can cling. “It’s going to be intense,” said Kings guard Tyreke Evans. “(There) might be some people coming back with bruises.”

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (33-22): The Clippers have won seven of eight and will try to cut into the Lakers’ lead in the Pacific Division. Griffin refused to get into a war of words with Cousins. Coach Vinny Del Negro praised Griffin’s self-control. “I thought it got a little physical there,” Del Negro said of Thursday’s matchup. “But Blake’s doing a good job with that, keeping his composure. That was big.” Clippers guard Mo Williams, who has missed eight games because of a sprained left big toe, hopes to play Saturday night.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Sacramento leading scorer Marcus Thornton likely will miss a third consecutive game because of a bruised left calf.

2. The Kings were just 4 of 17 (23.5 percent) from behind the 3-point line.

3. The Clippers have won four of the last five meetings against the Kings in Los Angeles, including the last two

PREDICTION: Clippers 103, Kings 99

This is the last meeting between the Clippers and Kings for the 2011 – 2012 NBA Regular season.