The Pelicans are going through tough times. The team has been unable to break out of a prolonged slump and remains at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Despite having talented players, their game has been far from consistent—lack of confidence, instability, and the absence of a clear strategy continue to result in losses.
A recent trade sent Brandon Ingram to Toronto, a move that, while expected, didn’t change much for the team. Ingram had already missed numerous games due to injuries, and his departure only highlighted the club’s roster issues. In their last game against Sacramento, the Pelicans put up a fight but ultimately fell short (111-118).
The upcoming match will take place on their home court, which might give the team some extra motivation. However, to secure a win, they will need more than just home support.
Injury Report: Herbert Jones, Dejounte Murray, and Kelly Olynyk will miss the game due to injuries.
The Kings, on the other hand, have gained momentum and are steadily climbing the standings. Currently sitting in ninth place in the West, they show no signs of slowing down. Under head coach Douglas Christie, Sacramento has developed a well-balanced playing style where every player understands their role.
A major boost to the team came from the trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio in exchange for Zach LaVine. LaVine wasted no time adapting, scoring 23 points in his first game against the Pelicans and playing a key role in their victory. His partnership with Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk looks highly promising.
The Kings have won three consecutive games, and this matchup is another opportunity to extend their streak.
Injury Report: No reported injuries.
Key Factors for the Match: depth and physical readiness (Sacramento has a deeper rotation, while New Orleans struggles with roster limitations), home-court advantage (the pelicans play at home, but that hasn’t always translated into wins this season), star performances (LaVine and Sabonis are in excellent form, while the Pelicans will rely on Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum).
Based on the current form of both teams, the Sacramento Kings appear to be the clear favorites. They are more consistent, have a more balanced roster, and have already demonstrated their superiority in the recent head-to-head matchup. New Orleans might have a surprise in store, but it will take an exceptional performance to turn the tide.
Expected Score: Sacramento to win by a margin of 7-10 points.
It's hard to say that New Orleans is genuinely aiming to turn things around. Willie Green's squad has long settled into the role of an underdog and lacks the motivation to break out of their slump. Playing at home provides some advantage, but it’s unlikely to be enough to secure a win. Sacramento, on the other hand, is gaining momentum. The team continues to improve with each game, and the trade that sent Fox away in exchange for LaVine is already paying off. The new leader has seamlessly integrated into the system, adding more versatility to the offense. With a top-six finish still within reach, the Kings will fight hard in every game. Most likely, this matchup will follow a familiar script—Sacramento’s structured defense and aggressive offense should lead them to another victory.
Bookmakers offer odds of 3.10 for New Orleans and 1.40 for Sacramento. Total over 237 points is offered at 1.93, total under is 1.93
Prediction: Sacramento to win with a -5.5 spread at 1.79 odds.
