Sacramento has been a challenging team this year. They’ve had a few health issues, but that doesn’t exactly explain their record. They’re 12-13 on the year, which feels low for a team even more talented than last year. Something feels off about them.
We expected the DeMar DeRozan addition to break this offense wide open. Adding another creator who could spread the floor, and get to his own shot. To the Kings' credit, they have put up some monster-scoring games. They just haven’t been able to win them.
They have struggled against teams with size and physicality. I have the loss to Portland specifically circled. They struggled to score against a flawed and injured Portland roster. They were missing DeRozan but weren't able to stop Portland from scoring in bunches in the paint. Portland isn’t a great point in the paint team either; the Kings just seem to lack interior defense, with Sabonis as their only big. He had to play 41 minutes against Portland to keep the game close. This team desperately needs to make a move for a backup big.
Beyond their weakness in the front court, the supporting cast on this team has been streaky. Keegan Murray has regressed shooting significantly. He’s shooting 43% from the field and just under 30% from three, scoring 12 points a game. He was at 45% from the field and 36% from three last year.
Regardless of this team's issue, they’ll still have a great chance to win against the Pelicans. With most of the team down with injuries, they are incredibly short-handed. The only real threats to the Kings tonight will be Dejoute Murray, Trey Murph III, and CJ McCollum. The Pelicans can still steal a win if they don’t take them seriously.
The Kings will take the game tonight in my opinion, but we’re not as confident about it as the sportsbooks are. We’ll need to see Sabonis have a big game against the rookie Missi. This should be an easy win for Sacramento, but you never know with this team.
Well, the Pelicans feel like they’re in the race for a top pick over a playoff spot this year. It might be time to pack it up with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson out indefinitely. I expect this team to be more active in the trade market than the wins column for the rest of the year. There isn’t much they can do in a stacked Western Conference, and now, in year 5 of the Zion experience, you know you can’t build around him.
This has been so disappointing for a team that was coming in so hopeful after last year. They narrowly missed the playoffs last year, with Zion getting injured late in the season. They made some big moves that didn’t work out in the off-season, and now we’re here. Stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference with an expensive roster riddled with injuries. It’s tough out there for Pelicans fans.
We expect the Pelicans to at least be active in the trade market soon. With guys like Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, and Herbert Jones still valuable to teams, they might need to look into a rebuild starting this season. They’ll at least have great draft odds, and if they get luck, this team could bounce back relatively quickly.
But enough about the Pels as a whole, this game could be interesting. The Kings have yet to impress. They can score on anyone, but they give up too many points. With CJ and Murray available tonight, they have enough scoring to keep up. If the threes fall, there is a real chance they can challenge the Kings.
The biggest issue for the Pels tonight will be containing Sabonis. With Missi as the only interior defender, he could have trouble. We expect the Kings to rush the paint relentlessly and attack CJ in switches. If the Pels have a shot in this game, it’s to keep up in the scoring foot race.
Trey Lyles Out
Karlo Matkovic Out
Jordan Hawkins Out
Javonte Green Questionable
Brandon Ingram Out
Zion Williams Out
Jose Alvarado Out
Spread: -7 SAC (-112) / +7 NO (-108)
Total Points: 231.5
Moneyline: SAC (-270) / NO (+220)
Kevin Huerter 10+ Points (+105)
Trey Murphy III 6+ Rebounds (+100)
De’Aaron Fox 7+ Assists (+100)
Domantas Sabonis 1+ Block (+145)