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  • The Pelicans are 5-20 and have the worst record in the Southwest Division.
  • Sacramento is 12-13 and currently sits at the bottom of the Pacific Division.
  • These teams last played on April 11, with the Pelicans claiming a 135-123 victory.

One of the games on Thursday night’s NBA slate features the New Orleans Pelicans taking on the Sacramento Kings. The Pelicans have the worst record in the Western Conference, while Sacramento is in the No. 12 spot in the conference playoff race. Our Pelicans vs. Kings prediction foresees the Kings getting their first win against New Orleans in six tries.

Pelicans Hope To Shake Off Early Struggles

To say the Pelicans have had a tough season thus far would be an understatement. After a 4-9 start, they have produced only one win in their last 12 outings and enter this matchup amid a two-game losing skid. In their 121-116 loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, Troy Murphy III and CJ McCollum were the top scorers. Murphy finished with 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists. McCollum added 19 points, four rebounds, and five assists.

Fast forward to the fourth quarter, New Orleans went on a 13-0 run to take a 116-114 lead with just a minute left to play in regulation. But Victor Wembanyama hit a 3-pointer with 37 seconds left, ending a five-minute scoring drought, allowing the Spurs to get their 12th win of the season.

Kings Seeking Their Second Three-Game Win Streak

Following an 8-6 start, Sacramento has gone 4-7 in its previous 11 outings. At the same time, it comes into the matchup with back-to-back wins over the San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz. Four of the team’s starters reached double figures in the blowout 141-97 victory against Utah. De’Aaron Fox scored a team-high 21 points and handed out nine assists. Domantas Sabonis added 19 points, 12 boards, and six assists.

The Kings led by a 62-45 margin at the break, but they were just getting started. Sacramento scored 43 points in the third quarter and outscored Utah by a 79-52 margin in the second half. This was the second straight game in which the Kings topped the 140-point threshold.

Pelicans vs Kings Prediction: Kings Crown New Orleans

New Orleans has the second-worst record in the association and has dropped nine of its last ten games. Meanwhile, Sacramento has captured three wins in its previous four contests. Additionally, they rank within the top 10 in scoring and offensive efficiency, which does not bode well for New Orleans, which is ranked 23rd in scoring defense and 28th in defensive rating. Look for Sacramento to win this one handily.

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