The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center on Monday night. Here’s a Pelicans vs Kings Prediction. This article will include a Pelicans vs Kings Pick.
Sacramento Kings Betting Preview
The Sacramento Kings have been ice-cold lately as they’ve lost 19 of their last 23 games and they will be hoping to put an end to a 12-game losing streak after falling just short to the Cavaliers in a 132-126 loss on Saturday. Nique Clifford led the team with 30 points on 12 of 19 shooting, Russell Westbrook added 22 points with nine assists, Devin Carter provided the spark off the bench with 18 points while Daeqwon Plowden chipped in with 16 points. As a team, the Kings shot 51 percent from the field and 16 of 37 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 41 points in the third quarter to open up an 11-point lead after trailing for most of the first half. But just when it looked like they were about to pull away, the Cavaliers closed the final 3:43 on a 18-5 run to steal the game at the end.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have been in decent shape as they’ve split their last eight games overall. They will be eager to build some momentum after snapping a three-game slide with an impressive 119-115 win over the Timberwolves on Friday. Saddiq Bey led the team in scoring with 30 points, nine rebounds and five assists, Zion Williamson added 29 points on 11 of 13 shooting while Trey Murphy III chipped in with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. As a team, the Pelicans shot 54 percent from the field and 15 of 34 from the 3-point line as they struggled to keep pace with the Timberwolves early on. They looked to be in deep trouble after trailing by 18 points, before they exploded for 63 points in the second half to run down the Timberwolves and escape with the impressive comeback victory on the road.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Kings have lost each of their last 13 road games.
- The Pelicans have won each of their last 11 games as home favorites.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last eight games as home favorites.
- The Kings have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight road games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
Why the Sacramento Kings will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 12 games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Kings have won three of their last four games as underdogs against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six home games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Kings’ last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Kings’ last six games as underdogs following a home loss have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Pelicans’ last eight games as home favorites have gone UNDER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Zion Williamson ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points in the paint per game (15.6) this season.
- Herb Jones is one of only two players in the league to have recorded 8+ steals in a game this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from a HT deficit this season – trailed by 22 points vs Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (3086) this season.
- The Kings rank 30th in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (10.5).
- The Kings rank 30th in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (30.2).
Pelicans vs Kings Prediction
The Kings are still missing Malik Monk and Zach LaVine with Doug McDermott and Domantas Sabonis both listed as questionable, while the Pelicans have ruled out Dejounte Murray once again. The Kings just haven’t been able to buy a win lately despite playing some decent basketball at times as we saw in their narrow loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are starting to build some momentum after taking down the Timberwolves in a dramatic comeback win on Friday. I think the Kings will make pests of themselves and hang around for most of the contest but in the end I think the Pelicans pull away for the win and cover at home.