Kings Aim to Strengthen Playoff Position Against Last-Place Pelicans

Sacramento Looks to Build Momentum in Back-to-Back Set

The Sacramento Kings are eyeing a strong playoff push as they emerge from the All-Star break, and they’ll have a prime opportunity to solidify their position when they face the New Orleans Pelicans in back-to-back road games beginning Wednesday night.

With a 14-8 record since Doug Christie took over as interim head coach, the Kings have remained competitive in a tight Western Conference playoff race. However, Christie acknowledges the importance of the upcoming break, especially after the team underwent a roster overhaul at the trade deadline.

Kings Adjusting to New Lineup

Sacramento is still integrating its new pieces, but early results have been promising. Christie experimented with playing Valančiūnas alongside Domantas Sabonis for the first time in Monday’s 129-128 overtime win over Dallas, and the pairing proved pivotal in the comeback victory.

The Kings dominated the glass, finishing with a 50-33 rebounding edge and outscoring the Mavericks 18-5 in second-chance points. Rebounding could once again be a key factor against New Orleans, which ranks 27th in defensive rebounding and 24th in total rebounding.

However, ball security remains a concern. Sacramento turned the ball over 21 times against Dallas, leading to 36 points for the Mavericks. New Orleans struggled even more in its last outing, committing 23 turnovers that resulted in 40 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 137-101 blowout loss on Monday.

Pelicans Looking to Snap Nine-Game Skid

The Pelicans enter Wednesday’s matchup riding a nine-game losing streak, including a 123-118 defeat to Sacramento on Saturday. Despite jumping out to a 29-9 first-quarter lead, New Orleans was unable to hold off the Kings.

Zion Williamson erupted for a season-high 40 points in that contest, but he followed it up with just 17 points against Oklahoma City as Trey Murphy III led the team with 23. The Thunder torched the Pelicans from deep, draining a franchise-record 27 three-pointers on 55 attempts—with 11 different players knocking down at least one.

New Orleans also made a significant trade at the deadline, sending former All-Star Brandon Ingram—who hasn’t played since December 7 due to an ankle injury—to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for guard Bruce Brown, center Kelly Olynyk, and two draft picks.

Both Brown and Olynyk are expected to make their Pelicans debuts Wednesday, with Olynyk’s presence particularly crucial after the team traded center Daniel Theis to the Thunder.

Key Storylines to Watch

• Can the Kings continue to build chemistry with LaVine and Valančiūnas?
• Will Sacramento’s rebounding advantage be a difference-maker?
• Can New Orleans take better care of the basketball and avoid another high-turnover game?
• How will the newly acquired Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk fit into the Pelicans’ rotation?

With both teams looking to establish momentum before the break, expect a high-intensity matchup as the Kings fight for playoff positioning and the Pelicans try to snap their skid. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM CT at the Smoothie King Center.

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