New Orleans Pelicans vs
Sacramento KingsPredictions & Preview

Sacramento Kings favored to win against struggling New Orleans Pelicans in Saturday night showdown

The upcoming NBA game on Saturday, February 8, features the New Orleans Pelicans facing off against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with the Kings previously defeating the Pelicans 111-109 in December. Sacramento is currently favored to win with a -7 opening line that has not changed. This matchup is one of our NBA picks for Saturday night. Stay tuned for an exciting Western Conference battle between these two teams.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Pelicans +230 | Kings -285
• Spread: Pelicans +7 (-110) | Kings -7 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 239 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Sacramento will win straight-up is 74%.

New Orleans vs Sacramento Stats

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are experiencing a disappointing season, currently on a seven-game losing streak and sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference. They suffered back-to-back road defeats against the Denver Nuggets, with a particularly embarrassing loss last Wednesday where Denver shot 57.0% from the field and scored 74 points in the paint. The Pelicans recently traded Brandon Ingram for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and draft picks. Dejounte Murray is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, and Jose Alvarado is questionable for their upcoming game against Sacramento. The team ranks 24th in offense, 27th in defense, and has a record of 12-39 this season. Their shooting percentages and defensive stats rank in the bottom half of the league in various categories.

Sacramento Kings Analysis

The Sacramento Kings have struggled in their recent games, losing six out of their last eight matchups, including losses to the Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers. The team is currently tied for the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. Despite some strong offensive performances, the Kings have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 115.0 points per 100 possessions. Additionally, the Kings have a power ranking of 15, with a strong offense (#8 in scoring) but a weaker defense (#23 in points allowed). They have a record of 25-26, and in their upcoming game against the New Orleans Pelicans, they will be looking to improve their performance on both ends of the court.

Sacramento Kings Poised to Take Advantage of New Orleans Pelicans' Weaknesses in Key Matchup

The Sacramento Kings have an advantageous opportunity to regain momentum as they face the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans have demonstrated poor interior defense, allowing 119.2 points per 100 possessions, ranking them 29th in the NBA. Furthermore, their 57.5% shooting percentage from inside the arc also ranks 29th in the league. Domantas Sabonis is expected to excel in the paint against the Pelicans, following the example set by Nikola Jokic in previous matchups. While the Pelicans possess offensive capabilities that could challenge the Kings' defense, Sacramento's superior rebounding abilities are likely to give them a competitive edge. Therefore, despite potential threats, I predict the Kings will cover the spread and secure a favorable outcome in this upcoming matchup.

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