Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans 4/19/24 – As the NBA season intensifies, the Sacramento Kings (46-36) prepare to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (49-33) in what promises to be a thrilling Play-In Tournament showdown. This matchup, slated for Friday night, will take place at the vibrant Smoothie King Center, home of the Pelicans. With the Kings looking to upset and the Pelicans aiming to capitalize on their superior record, this game is a focal point for bettors and fans alike, drawing attention from premier online casino sites and sports platforms globally.
| When: | Friday, April 19, 2024 at 9:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Smoothie King Center |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
one step closer in the journey.
Mini Movie presented by @kpthrive pic.twitter.com/VLdDu91iDu— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) April 19, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings | +1.5 (-110) | 219 over (-110) | +107 |  |
| Pelicans | -1.5 (-110) | 219 under (-110) | -127 | |
| ||||
The odds highlight a tightly contested game, with the Pelicans slightly favored. The narrow spread suggests that bookmakers expect a close match, with the total set at 219, indicating expectations of a moderately high-scoring affair. Bettors should consider the Kings’ potential for an upset given their positive moneyline odds.
De’Aaron Fox (PG) vs. Brandon Ingram (SF)
The Kings have seen De’Aaron Fox, who has been phenomenal all season long on the team both as a shifty playmaker and a great scorer. Not only has the lead scorer averaged 26.6 points and 5.6 assists per game, but also his ability to command the game’s rhythm and slice through the defenses is pivotal for the team against the Pelicans. Nevertheless, his 2.6 per game turnover rate will be a weak spot on the New Orleans defense that studies the aggression.
Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans whose leading position is the small forward has delivered with an average of 20.8 points and 5.7 assists per game. He is an important piece of the puzzle thanks to his versatility as a scorer and distributor. In comparison to Ingram, Fox’s height may have defensive advantages, this could be especially true in the perimeter game.
The duel between Fox and Ingram will greatly surmise the final outcome. Fox, who is both quick and agile, and Ingram, whose strength is shooting and size, lays a platform for a captivating contrast of playing styles. Their displays will probably be of big importance for the team and most probably will influence the result on the crucial match.
Analyzing the Kings: A Focus on Offense
The Kings, in modern times, lead scorers of the present season, averaging 116.6 points per game, largely going through their fast offense and effective shooting. They represent the best category as they score 14.4 three -point baskets per game at a 36.6 percent rate which describes their perimeter strength. While their defensive stats point out some weaknesses as well, it might not be such a problem for the more balanced Pelicans team.
Pelicans’ Defensive Prowess
The Pelicans have demonstrated their robust defensive capabilities, a tall order which is offset by an impressive offensive output of 115.1 points per game and a clean field conversion of 48.6 percent. The strategy of this team is mingling of offensive efficiency with defensive tenacity, notably in blocking (4.6 per game) and steals (8.3 per game), thanks to which they can control the tempo and keep a rival team off the scoreboard.
Trends
Sacramento Kings Betting Trends
Kings are 1-4 in their last 5 games.
Sacramento Kings are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Kings are 27-14 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Kings’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 25 of Kings’ 41 last games at home
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
Pelicans are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
New Orleans Pelicans are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
Pelicans are 23-17 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Pelicans’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 20 of Pelicans’ 40 last games at home
Injuries
Sacramento Kings
Malik Monk SG Is “?” Friday vs New Orleans, Knee
Kevin Huerter SG Is out for season, Shoulder
New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson PF Is out indefinitely, Hamstring
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Picks
Considering the close odds and recent trends, this game is set to be highly competitive. The key will be the performance of star players and each team’s ability to execute under pressure. For those looking at prop bets, consider backing De’Aaron Fox to score over his points average, given the high stakes of this Play-In Tournament NBA free prediction.
Given the Pelicans’ strong home record and defensive capabilities, they might edge out a close victory. However, the over on the total looks tempting, considering both teams’ scoring abilities.
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Score Prediction: Pelicans 112, Kings 109.
