Can Pelicans Advance Without Zion? | Kings vs. Pelicans | OSB
NBA Play-In: Sacramento Kings (46-36) at New Orleans Pelicans (49-33)
By Sam Batz
When: Friday, April 19th at 9:30 PM EST
Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Watch On: TNT
Matchup: Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans
In a last ditch effort to remain in the playoffs, the Sacramento Kings will go head-to-head with the New Orleans Pelicans in a pivotal win-or-go-home play-in game. The winner will advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, while the loser will be sent home packing. The Kings are coming off a huge win over their rivals, the Golden State Warriors, the team that knocked Sacramento out of the postseason last year, but New Orleans fell short against the LA Lakers on Tuesday, the Pelicans second straight loss. But to make matters worse, Pelicans leading scorer Zion Williamson suffered a hamstring injury and has been ruled out for Friday’s elimination game. The Kings looked great in their win over the Warriors, posting the highest point differential of the play-in thus far, creating a uniquely challenging situation for the shorthanded Pelicans.
Below you’ll find all of our picks for the Kings vs. Pelicans Play-In game, including stats, scores, and betting advice. We’ll help you navigate the odds and provide helpful betting tips for Friday’s matchup between the Kings and Pelicans.
Kings vs. Pelicans Odds
Team | Spread | Total (O/U) | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
Sacramento Kings | -1.5 (-105) | Ov 212 (-110) | -120 |
New Orleans Pelicans | +1.5 (-115) | Un 212 (-110) | +100 |
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Kings vs. Pelicans Betting Trends
Sacramento Kings
- 43-39-1 ATS
- 24-16-1 ATS on the road
- 36-45-2 O/U record
- 14-25-2 O/U record on the road
- 34-20 as FAVORITES
- 12-6 as FAVORITES on the road
New Orleans Pelicans
- 44-38-1 ATS
- 20-21 ATS at home
- 36-46-1 O/U record
- 20-21 O/U record at home
- 18-14 as UNDERDOGS
- 5-6 as UNDERDOGS at home
New Orleans Pelicans v Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings W2 (5-5) 116.6 114.8 +1.8 47.7% 36.6% 44.0 12.5 116.2 (13th) 114.4 (14th) 24-17 (58.5%) 22-19 (53.7%) | Stat Type Streak (L10) Points/Game Opponent Points/Game Point Diff Field Goal % Three-Point % Rebounds/Game Turnovers/Game Offensive Rating Defensive Rating Home Record (Win-Rate) Away Record (Win-Rate) | New Orleans Pelicans L2 (4-6) 115.1 110.7 +4.4 48.6% 38.8% 44.0 12.4 116.5 (11th) 111.9 (6th) 21-19 (52.5%) 28-14 (66.7%) |
Kings vs. Pelicans Head-to-Head History
- Regular & Post Season Games: 77 (2002-2024)
- All-time Series: Kings: 33 wins; Pelicans: 44 wins
- Season Series: Pelicans 5-0
You are reading that right; the Pelicans are undefeated against the Kings this season. Through 5 matchups, New Orleans has bested Sacramento every time. During the series New Orleans averaged 128.2 points per game, while the Kings averaged 109.0 points per game. The Pelicans domination over the Kings has been absolute, posting a +19.2 point differential in the series. Sacramento is looking for their first win of the season against New Orleans, but what a time to get it if they do.
Kings vs. Pelicans Best Player Props
Domantas Sabonis; Over 13.5 rebounds (-127)
Sabonis led the NBA in rebounds this season, securing 13.7 boards per game. With Zion out there will be plenty of room in the paint for Sabonis to work, and the Kings versatile center will dominate the glass. Sabonis also led the NBA in double-double’s (77), making his player prop to record a double-double against New Orleans the most secure wager out there.
Trey Murphy III; Over 16.5 points (-119)
Trey Murphy III will see increased usage with Zion Williamson out. Murphy averages 14.8 points per game, but without Zion Murphy averages 17.9. He averaged 18.0 points per game against the Kings, and scored 27 the last time he played Sacramento. The Pelicans will need him to have another big game if they’re going to advance, and I’m betting on Trey Murphy to show up.
Kings vs. Pelicans Prediction
The news of Zion’s injury was devastating, and while basketball is a team sport, I don’t see the Pelicans beating the Kings without Williamson. I’m going with Sacramento to advance to the playoffs as the 8-seed. The Kings are playing great basketball, and will be full of confidence after taking down the Warriors on Tuesday. The Kings bench has been their biggest weakness, but players like Keon Ellis and Trey Lyles have stepped up in recent games, allowing Sacramento’s key players to rest without the game getting out of hand. The Pelicans defense will be a tough obstacle to overcome, but if the Kings are shooting like they did on Tuesday (46.2% from Three-point range), New Orleans won’t have the firepower to keep up, especially with Williamson on the bench.
Kings vs. Pelicans predictions:
- Moneyline Pick: Sacramento Kings (-120)
If you take the Kings Moneyline (-120): You risk $120 to win $100, for a total payout of $220, if the Kings win straight up.
- ATS Pick: Sacramento Kings (-1.5)
If you take the Kings to Cover the -1.5 Spread (-105): You risk $105 to win $100, for a total payout of $205, if the Kings win the game by 2 points or more.
- O/U Pick: Over (212)
If you take the Over on 212 total points (-110): You risk $110 to win $100, for a total payout of $210, if the Kings and Pelicans combine for more than 212 points.
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