Pelicans Host Kings for Critical Western Conference Battle

The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Sacramento Kings in a crucial showdown of two NBA Western Conference teams fighting for the playoffs.

The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Sacramento Kings in a crucial showdown of two NBA Western Conference teams fighting for the playoffs.

Feb 17, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) dribbles against Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Pelicans (25-36, 10th in the Western Conference) will host the Sacramento Kings (23-40, 13th) at 7 PM CT on March 2 in the Smoothie King Center. Tonight's battle is the third of four games against these two teams fighting for an NBA Playoff Play-In spot. 

Both teams have 16 wins over Western Conference foes. Since the Kings won the first two contests, New Orleans will need a win, or Sacramento will own the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Both New Orleans (C.J. McCollum) and Sacramento (Damontas Sabonis) made win-now trades to upgrade their rosters for a playoff run. The Pelicans have been undefeated since the All-Star break, while the Kings lost a close one versus the Denver Nuggets (115-110) before blowing out the Oklahoma City Thunder (131-110). 

Though De'Aaron Fox (22 ppg) garners most of the attention, Harrison Barnes averages 20.5 points and 6.1 rebounds over the last ten games. In the previous four games, Brandon Ingram and McCollum have found a groove as teammates, averaging over 50 points combined.

Feb 28, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

According to SI Sportsbook, the Pelicans opened as 4.5 point home favorites. New Orleans only scores 106.8 points per game to Sacramento's 110.2, but the Pelicans have a better defense. New Orleans sits 15th in points given up per game. Only the Houston Rockets give up more points than the Kings. 

The Pelicans also have a better free throw percentage, dish out more assists, and are 10th in steals and rebounds, while the Kings are in the bottom ten in creating turnovers and clearing the boards.

The starting lineups and records are evenly matched. This game could come down to the X-factors off the bench. Devonte Graham has embraced being the sixth man and leading the reserves. Donte DiVincenzo and Davion Mitchell have been all or nothing trying to fill the same roles. They were a combined 3-12 in the recent loss to Denver but were 11/18 for 27 points to seal the win over the Thunder. Graham, Jose Alvarado, and Tony Snell should help the Pelicans secure a much-needed win.

Expected Starting Lineups:

Sacramento Kings: De'Aaron Fox, Justin Holiday, Harrison Barnes, Trey Lyles, Damontas Sabonis

New Orleans Pelicans: C.J. McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Jaxson Hayes, Jonas Valancuinas

When: 7 PM CT

Where: New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center

How To Watch/Listen: Bally Sports NO, NBC SPORTS California, ESPN 100.3FM New Orleans