The Sacramento Kings (46-36) and New Orleans Pelicans (49-33) meet in the NBA Play-In Tournament at Smoothie King Center Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'lines around the Kings vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: Pelicans lead 5-0
The Kings upset the Golden State Warriors, and possibly ended their run with their core group, 118-93 Tuesday night. They were 3-point underdogs at home. F Keegan Murray had 32 points and 9 boards while shooting 8-for-13 (61.5%) from distance. They enter NOLA with a chip on their shoulder after losing all 5 during the regular season to the Pels.
This Pelicans team is going to look different, though, as PF Zion Williamson is out with a hamstring injury. He had 40 points, 11 boards and 5 assists in the play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers, which they dropped 110-106 Tuesday. F Brandon Ingram is working his way back from injury and had just 11. They’ll need more from him if they don’t want their season to end.