The Los Angeles Clippers look to close out the preseason on a victorious note as they host the Pacific Division rival, the Sacramento Kings, on Thursday at the Intuit Dome. It can be easy not to put too much stock into preseason performances, but it's undeniable how good the Clippers have looked in their last three games.

Incredible defense

After losing by a hairline, 91-90, to the Golden State Warriors in their first preseason game, the Clippers have bounced back, winning three straight, including a dominant 110-96 victory over the Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving-less Dallas Mavericks.

With James Harden running L.A.'s offense to perfection, setting his teammates up for easy layups and slam dunks (Harden had 12 assists), and players being active with their feet and hands (they had 20 steals) on defense, the Clippers have looked like a formidable opponent.

Their next test comes against their division rival, the Sacramento Kings. Although it's only the preseason, there is no love lost between these two teams, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. The Kings have had a rough start to their preseason, losing all four of their games so far.

Brutal loss to Utah

Sacramento visited the Delta Center on Tuesday and couldn't come away with a win, falling to the Utah Jazz, 117-114. Domantas Sabonis had a monster game of 29 points and 17 rebounds, while De'Aaron Fox added 22 markers, seven boards, and five dimes.

We'll see if the Clippers or the Kings will play any of their starters in the preseason finale. Clippers coach Ty Lue has already ruled out Harden in the game against the Kings, and it's likely that Kris Dunn will get to start.

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