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- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: February 13, 2025
- Who: Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
- Where: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, LA)
It’s the final night of NBA action before the All-Star break, and we’re gearing up for an exciting matchup between the Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans.
This game serves as a rematch from Wednesday night, where the Kings secured a victory over the Pelicans with their impressive 3-point shooting. Currently, Sacramento holds the eighth spot in the Western Conference, while New Orleans finds itself at the bottom of the standings.
The Kings have an overall record of 28-26 this season, sitting 16.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for first place and just two games away from the sixth-place Los Angeles Clippers. They’ve been on a roll lately, winning three consecutive games and taking four of their last six contests.
In their previous matchup, Sacramento triumphed over New Orleans 119-111 on February 12.
The Kings maintained their lead throughout the game, largely thanks to their 3-point shooting prowess, finishing 16-for-45 from beyond the arc and shooting 47.1% overall.
Keon Ellis was a standout performer, coming off the bench to score 27 points on 7-for-11 shooting from 3-point range.
DeMar DeRozan is the Kings’ leading scorer, averaging 21.9 points per game. Domantas Sabonis contributes significantly as well, leading the team with averages of 14.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
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Game Preview (Kings vs. Pelicans)
| Spread |  |  |  |
| Sacramento Kings -6.5 Points | -115 | -115 | -115 |
| New Orleans Pelicans +6.5 Points | -105 | -105 | -105 |
This season, Sacramento has a record of 19-32-3 against the spread, including an 11-15-1 mark when playing away from home. When favored, they are 14-23-3 against the spread. The over is hitting at a 32-22 rate for the Kings, including a 16-11 record in road games.
The Kings enter this matchup without any injury concerns.
In contrast, the Pelicans are struggling significantly, holding a dismal 12-42 record and sitting in last place in the West, 15.5 games behind the 10th-place Golden State Warriors. At home, they have won only 8 of 27 games and are on a 10-game losing streak.
Zion Williamson rolls to 33 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast and 13/18 FGs, but Kings take over in clutch time for 119-111 road win over #Pelicans. Zion totaled 73 pts in 56 mins over his two recent games vs. Sacramento. Postgame wrap: https://t.co/jIm15mlXir pic.twitter.com/17ODZxrulo
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) February 13, 2025
In their last game against Sacramento, New Orleans managed to shoot 46.8% from the field but only 25% from 3-point territory, despite outscoring Sacramento 70-40 in the paint. Zion Williamson led the team with a stellar 33-point performance, shooting 13-for-18.
Williamson, averaging 23.9 points per game, is the Pelicans’ top scorer, while Yves Missi leads in rebounds with 8.1, and CJ McCollum dishes out a team-high 3.8 assists per game.
The Pelicans’ season record against the spread is 21-32-1, with a balanced 13-13-1 when playing at home. As underdogs, they are 16-23-1 against the spread. The over has been profitable, hitting on 30 of 54 occasions, including a 17-10 record at home.
As for injuries, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones, Brandon Boston, Kelly Olynyk, and Jamal Cain were absent in Wednesday’s game and are considered questionable for Thursday’s tilt.
I’d have to fade the Pelicans and lay the 6.5 points with the Kings as the best bet in this one.
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Total Points
| Total Points | | | |
| Over 236 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 236 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
Sacramento ranks eighth in the league, scoring an average of 116.4 points per game, and is shooting 47.5% from the field, placing them 10th overall. However, they struggle from long range, sitting fifth worst in 3-point shooting at 34.4%.
On the defensive end, the Kings allow 115.7 points per game, which ranks 23rd, and opponents shoot 46.8% against them, placing them 18th in that category. Their 3-point defense has also been a concern, allowing opponents to convert at a rate of 37.8%, ranking second to last in the NBA.
New Orleans is scoring 110 points per game, ranking 23rd in the league, and shooting 44.7% from the field, which is the seventh worst. Their 3-point shooting ranks 22nd at 35%.
𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐓 DOMAS 😤
Defensive Player of the Game presented by @PhoongLawCorp pic.twitter.com/ZOKNTwQ5wz
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) February 13, 2025
Defensively, the Pelicans have been porous, allowing 119.2 points per game (fourth worst), with opponents shooting 48.6% against them, ranking second worst as well. From beyond the arc, they concede 36.7%, sitting 22nd in the league.
The over is 32-22 in games involving the Kings, and 16-11 when they play on the road. Similarly, New Orleans has a record of 30-23-1 for the over this season, with a 17-10 mark at home.
Following a high-scoring affair on Wednesday night, I expect to see another game where the over comes through. Both teams are eager to reach the All-Star break, likely leading to a drop in defensive intensity.
Notably, New Orleans ranks as the eighth fastest team in the league, while Sacramento is close behind at ninth in pace.
So, I’m confident in taking the over for Thursday’s matchup.
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