The Western Conference Playoffs are set to deliver a ton of excitement and drama this season, and one more team will still get into the mix. On Friday night, the Sacramento Kings will visit the New Orleans Pelicans in what should be a terrific battle.
Sacramento finished the regular season in ninth place and an overall record of 46-36 through the first 82 games. The Kings have a ton of momentum ahead of this matchup as they blew out the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.
New Orleans is in danger of missing out on the postseason after finishing the regular season in 7th place in the Western Conference. The Pelicans finished the regular season with a record of 49-33, but this team has now dropped two straight games.
The Sacramento Kings are slim 1.5-point betting favorites on Friday night, and the over/under line for this matchup is set at 212.5 total points.
Sacramento Wants to Score
The Sacramento Kings are one of the most explosive offensive teams in the league this season, and that was evident in their 118-94 win over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. Sacramento is capable of scoring 120 points per game, especially when they are shooting the ball well.
De’Aaron Fox is leading the way with 26.6 points per game, and he will be looking to set the tone in this matchup. Domantas Sabonis has also been a star this year as he is averaging more than 20 points and 8.2 assists per game.
Sacramento has not been a great defensive team this season, but the Kings are catching a huge break on defense in this one.
Pelicans Playing in the Paint
The New Orleans Pelicans are having a terrific season, but they are dealing with a significant injury ahead of this game. Zion Williamson suffered a hamstring injury on Tuesday night, and he will not be available for this matchup.
The Pelicans are a team that averages over 115 points per game, and a majority of that work has been done in the paint. New Orleans wants to establish their inside presence, but they must also get some outside shooting.
New Orleans is the better defensive team in this game, and they will attempt to slow down the action and win this game with their physical style of play.
Kings Get it Done
Playing in New Orleans can be extremely difficult for any opponent, but the Pelicans are dealing with a tough injury ahead of this game. The Pelicans just won’t be able to score enough points to keep pace in this game, and that will end up costing them.
This Kings team can be extremely explosive on the offensive end of the floor, and they are going to be tough to stop in this game. Sacramento has a ton of young and hungry players, and they are going to be pushing hard to win this game.
Bet on the Sacramento Kings to pick up a big win in this game as they clinch the number eight seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.
