New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings

April 19, 2024

The Sacramento Kings clash against the upstart New Orleans Pelicans Friday night inside Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. This is the 8^th-seed game in the Western Conference, and they tip it off at 9:30 pm as the Pelicans will come into this one short-handed in a big way.

Bookmaker has installed the Kings as a slim 1.5-point favorite in what should be a very entertaining affair.

Sacramento Kings Betting Preview

The Kings ousted the veteran Golden State Warriors in the play-in game on Tuesday night, ending the Warriors' dynasty in the process. They did a great job on the defensive end of the floor, holding veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson scoreless in the loss.

They are an excellent team on the defensive end of the floor and have a ton of depth and athleticism. On offense, they are led by star point guard De'Aaron Fox, who has had a monster season. He is averaging just under 27 points per game and just under six assists per game.

The Kings are a very solid shooting team. They connect on close to 57% of the floor, and they can also knock down threes. They will push the pace knowing that the Pelicans come in not at full strength, and if they can exploit the lane for easy buckets, it will be a long night for New Orleans.

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview

The Pelicans will be without playmaker Zion Williamson, who will miss the game due to a left hamstring injury. The timing could not have come at a worse time. He has played very well this season, and when he is on the floor and engaged, he plays at an All-Star level. He averaged around 22 points a game, but where he will be missed is on the boards and in the paint.

New Orleans loses its rim protector and best rebounder, and the Kings will look to take advantage of that. Small forward Brandon Ingram has been a steady source of their offense, too, and has shown he can be the veteran presence on the floor they need.

If they can not defend and guard against the Kings' shooters, then it will be a long night for them. They also need to reduce turnovers and look for easy buckets, but they should not force the issue.

Game Odds, Series Trends, and Free Pick

The Pelicans are a solid 4-1 in their last five games and 3-2 in their last five games against the number too. They are a decent 23-17 in their road games against the spread. The totals have gone over in two out of their last five games and 20 out of their last 40 at home. The Kings are 2-3 in their last five games and 3-2 in their last five games against the number. They are also 24-16 in their road games against the spread.

Pick: Sacramento Kings- 1.5

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