Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips

The Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off in a highly anticipated NBA matchup on February 12, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. This game marks the third meeting between the two teams this season, with the Kings having won the previous two encounters by a combined seven points. As both teams prepare for this clash, let’s dive into a comprehensive analysis of the game, including predictions, betting tips, and key insights to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

The Sacramento Kings (27-26) are currently ninth in the Western Conference, while the New Orleans Pelicans (12-41) sit at the bottom of the standings. The Kings are coming off a thrilling 129-128 overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing their resilience and offensive firepower. On the other hand, the Pelicans are mired in a nine-game losing streak, with their most recent defeat being a 36-point blowout against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This matchup is part of a back-to-back series, with the teams set to meet again on February 13. The Kings are looking to solidify their playoff position, while the Pelicans are desperate to snap their skid and salvage some pride in what has been a dismal season.

Betting Odds and Trends

Current Odds

• Spread: Kings -5.5 (-110) vs. Pelicans +5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Kings (-194) vs. Pelicans (+160)
• Total (Over/Under): 238.5 points.

Key Betting Trends

1. Kings’ Performance: Sacramento has a 20-33-0 record against the spread (ATS) this season. However, they are 16-8 when favored by -190 or more on the moneyline, indicating strong performance as favorites.
2. Pelicans’ Struggles: New Orleans is 21-31-1 ATS this season and has lost nine consecutive games. They are 1-28 when listed as underdogs with odds of +160 or higher.
3. Over/Under Trends: The Kings’ games have gone over the total in 20 of 53 games this season, while the Pelicans have surpassed the total in 13 of 53 games. The combined average scoring for both teams (226.4 points) is below the current total of 238.5, suggesting a potential under.

Team Analysis

Sacramento Kings

The Kings boast the eighth-ranked offense in the NBA, averaging 116.4 points per game. Domantas Sabonis has been a standout performer, averaging 20.5 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine provide additional scoring punch, though LaVine has struggled to find his rhythm since joining the Kings, shooting just 42.2% from the field and 19.2% from three.

Defensively, the Kings rank 23rd, allowing 115.7 points per game. Their struggles on the perimeter (29th in three-point defense) could be a concern against a Pelicans team that relies heavily on outside shooting.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans’ season has been marred by injuries and poor performance. Zion Williamson remains their brightest spot, averaging 24.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Trey Murphy III has also stepped up, averaging 22.6 points and shooting 38.7% from three. However, the team’s defense is among the worst in the league, ranking 27th in points allowed (119.2 per game) and 29th in defensive rating.

Injuries have further depleted the Pelicans’ roster, with Herbert Jones and Dejounte Murray out for the season. CJ McCollum is listed as questionable due to personal reasons, which could significantly impact the team’s chances.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Domantas Sabonis vs. Zion Williamson: This battle in the paint will be crucial. Sabonis’ ability to control the boards and facilitate offense could give the Kings an edge, while Williamson’s explosiveness and scoring ability will test Sacramento’s interior defense.
2. Zach LaVine vs. Trey Murphy III: Both players are key offensive weapons for their teams. LaVine’s ability to regain his form could swing the game in Sacramento’s favor, while Murphy’s three-point shooting will be vital for the Pelicans.
3. Bench Contributions: The Kings’ depth, led by Malik Monk, could prove decisive, especially if the Pelicans’ injury woes limit their rotation.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Game Prediction

The Kings are the clear favorites, given their recent form and the Pelicans’ struggles. However, New Orleans has kept both previous matchups close, losing by just five and two points. If CJ McCollum plays, the Pelicans could make this a competitive game.

Predicted Score: Kings 118 – Pelicans 112.

Betting Tips

1. Spread: Take the Kings -5.5. Despite their ATS struggles, Sacramento’s superior talent and recent momentum make them a solid bet to cover the spread.
2. Moneyline: Bet on the Kings (-194). Their consistency as favorites and the Pelicans’ ongoing struggles make this a relatively safe pick.
3. Total: Go under 238.5. Both teams have trended toward lower-scoring games, and the Pelicans’ offensive inefficiency could limit the total.
4. Player Props: Consider betting on Trey Murphy III to score over 23.5 points. With the Pelicans short-handed, he will likely shoulder a significant scoring load.

Final Thoughts

The Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans matchup promises to be an intriguing contest, with the Kings aiming to extend their winning streak and the Pelicans desperate to end their skid. While the Kings are the stronger team on paper, the Pelicans’ resilience in previous meetings suggests they could keep this game competitive.

For bettors, the Kings offer a safer option, but the Pelicans’ potential to cover the spread makes them an intriguing underdog. Keep an eye on injury updates, particularly CJ McCollum’s status, as it could significantly impact the game’s outcome.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting night of NBA action!

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