Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings (28-36) will aim to extend one of their better season streaks in this match, having won 7 out of their last 10 games. During this period, the Sacramento Kings averaged 109 points per game, with a ~46% shooting accuracy. Although there have been recent questions about the team's nominal leader Buddy Hield being benched during crucial moments, which many analysts interpreted as “sparks” between the player and the coach, it seems that everything is fine and tactical decisions were simply made. Before the season, the Kings were considered one of the real candidates to return to the playoffs after a long break, but during the season, the team did not show the stability needed to be among the top 8 teams in the Western Conference. However, the recent weeks have inspired positivity, so the Kings should not be written off just yet.

The most consistent player on the team is De'Aaron Fox, who averages 20 points and 7 assists per game. Serbian player Bogdan Bogdanović also feels great in this team, often taking the leader's role from D. Fox and B. Hield and taking the initiative during crucial moments. It is also worth mentioning that the Sacramento Kings have won 6 of their last 8 home games, so it can be confidently said that they should be the favorites in this match.

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans (28-36) are direct competitors to the Sacramento Kings, as both teams have identical win/loss records. However, unlike the Kings, the Pelicans have won only 5 of their last 10 games. Interestingly, out of their last 10 away games, the Pelicans managed to win 7 times, indicating that home court does not provide any advantage for this team, as they play similarly both at home and away. The Pelicans remain one of the highest-paced and highest-scoring teams in the league, averaging 116 points per game.

A very important boost in their quest for victories was the debut of Z. Williamson, who was called the “rookie of the year” before the season, after recovering from a serious injury. The wait paid off, as Williamson immediately began proving his worth, and although he missed most of the season, many sports analysts have already started discussions about whether he or J. Morant should win the rookie of the year award. Williamson averages 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds, which are simply impressive numbers for a player who missed the first half of the season due to injury.

Players Missing This Match

Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley (out), Justin James (out);

New Orleans Pelicans: J.J. Redick (out), D. Miller (out), N.Alexander-Walker (out).

Prediction

The importance of this match is significant for both teams, as they are direct competitors for a playoff spot. The New Orleans Pelicans are a more talented and probably stronger team, but the Sacramento Kings have recently shown more consistent play and better results. The Pelicans like to get into scoring races, but since one of their key players, J. J. Redick, will miss the match, and all the main players of the Kings are healthy, it is unlikely that the Pelicans will outrun the young and well-attacking Kings team on the road. The teams' chances here are more or less similar, but in such an important match, the home team should not be considered the “underdog.”