The Sacramento Kings play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at the Golden 1 Center on Friday night. Here’s a Kings vs. Pelicans Prediction. This article will include a Kings vs. Pelicans Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans have really been struggling lately, as they are now on a six-game losing streak after falling short to the Trail Blazers in a 118-106 road defeat last night. Jeremiah Fears led the team with 21 points on seven of 10 shots off the bench; Trey Murphy III added 19 points, while Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey each scored 15 points. As a team, the Pelicans shot 45 percent from the field and nine of 24 from the 3-point line as they got off to a great start but they couldn’t maintain that momentum in the second half, where they scored just 41 points to fall well short in the end.
Sacramento Kings Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings have been in a rut as they’ve dropped six of their last eight games overall, but they are coming into this contest fresh off a 123-115 road win over the Raptors on Wednesday. Precious Achiuwa led the team with 28 points and 19 rebounds on 12 of 19 shooting; DeMar DeRozan added 28 points while Malik Monk chipped in with 18 points off the bench. As a team, the Kings shot 46 percent from the field and 12 of 33 from the 3-point line as they got off to a solid start and took a narrow lead into halftime and it was still a close contest until the Kings closed the final 1:50 on a 9-3 run to escape with the upset win on the road.
Why the Sacramento Kings will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last seven road games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Kings have won each of their last five home games after winning as underdogs.
- The Kings have covered the spread in each of their last six home games after winning as underdogs.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Kings have lost each of their last six home games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Pelicans have won eight of their last nine games against Western Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Kings have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 home games against Southwest Division opponents following a win.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of the Kings’ last six games against Southwest Division opponents has gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Pelicans’ last four night games at Golden 1 Center has gone OVER the total points line.
Sacramento Kings Player Facts
- Maxime Raynaud ranks 5th in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for FG% (56.5%) this season.
- Nique Clifford is one of only 15 players in the league to have recorded 4+ steals in consecutive games this season.
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 Kings rank 30th in the league for opponent field goal percentage this season (49.5%).
- The Kings rank 30th in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (10.2).
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from an HT deficit this season—trailing by 22 points vs. the Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 29th in the league for opponent offensive rebounds per game this season (12.7).
Kings vs Pelicans Prediction
The Pelicans are still missing Karlo Matkovic and Bryce McGowens, while the Kings have ruled out Keegan Murray, Russell Westbrook, Isaiah Stevens, Drew Eubanks, Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine. The Pelicans could really do with a win just for confidence and they will like their chances against a depleted Kings squad, but they are playing their second game of a back-to-back set, which is always tough. This is a game I would rather stay away from, but at this stage, I prefer a small play on the Pelicans to get the win and cover on the road.