A Tight Race in the West: Pelicans Take on Kings in Battle for Playoff Seeding
The NBA regular season winds down, and the playoff picture in the Western Conference is anything but clear. Tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans (47-32) travel to Sacramento to face the Kings (45-34) in a game with significant implications for both teams. The Pelicans currently sit in sixth place, but the race for playoff spots is tight, with several teams breathing down their necks.
Pelicans vs. Kings Prediction with Model Averages and Total Predicted Scores
Here’s a breakdown for tonight’s Pelicans vs. Kings game, combining top prediction models with a total predicted score based on their averages:
Top Prediction Models:
| Model | Methodology | Pelicans Score | Kings Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betfair | Statistical | 111 | 109 |
| Analyst | Adjusted Ratings | 110 | 108 |
| BPI (ESPN) | Efficiency | 112 | 107 |
| FiveThirtyEight | Complex Stats | 113 | 110 |
| Gold Forecast | Machine Learning | 109 | 112 |
Average Score: Pelicans (111) vs. Kings (109.8)
My Take
While the models are slightly split, they lean towards a close game favoring the Pelicans. This aligns with my previous assessment considering the Pelicans’ recent form and the Kings’ recent struggles. Ingram’s absence is a factor, but the Kings are also missing key players.
Pelicans Soaring on Winning Streak
The Pelicans have been on a hot streak lately, winning their last two games. This surge has propelled them into sixth place in the West. CJ McCollum has been a driving force for New Orleans, averaging over 25 points per game in April. Brandon Ingram, another key contributor, is unfortunately out with a knee injury. His return date remains uncertain, although there’s a chance he could be back tomorrow against the Golden State Warriors.
Kings Have Favorable Schedule But Recent Struggles
The Kings have a good chance to catch the Pelicans, thanks to their remaining schedule. They have three straight home games, including tonight’s matchup and games against the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. However, their recent form is concerning. Sacramento squandered a golden opportunity to close the gap on the Pelicans in the standings by blowing a 20-point lead in a disappointing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Injuries have also hampered the Kings. Kevin Huerter is out for the season with a shoulder injury, and Malik Monk is sidelined with a knee sprain.
A Look Back: Pelicans Dominate Season Series
The Pelicans have dominated the Kings in the season series so far, winning all four encounters. Their most recent meeting came back in early January, where New Orleans secured a convincing 133-100 victory even without Zion Williamson. Ingram played a well-rounded game in that matchup, recording 15 points and eight assists.
Prediction: Spread a Safer Bet Than Picking a Winner
While the Pelicans hold the upper hand based on the season series and their recent form, Ingram’s absence is a significant factor. The Kings are also a talented team, and their home court advantage cannot be discounted. This shapes up to be a close game, and considering the point spread sits at Sacramento -1, taking the points with the Pelicans might be the safer bet.
Here’s a breakdown of why the spread might be a more secure option:
- Close Matchup: Both teams are evenly matched on paper. The Pelicans’ recent winning streak is countered by the Kings’ favorable schedule and home court advantage. Ingram’s injury adds another layer of uncertainty.
- Pelicans Motivated: New Orleans is hungry for a win to solidify their playoff position. They might play with a sense of urgency to overcome the Kings’ home court advantage.
- Kings’ Inconsistency: Sacramento’s recent struggles, particularly blowing a big lead against a team like the Thunder, raise concerns about their mental toughness in close games.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications Abound
The outcome of this game carries significant weight for both teams. A Pelicans victory would be a major step towards securing a coveted top-six seed and potentially avoiding the play-in tournament. Conversely, a Kings win would keep them in the playoff hunt and potentially set the stage for them to overtake the Pelicans in the standings by capitalizing on their favorable remaining schedule.
Final Prediction:
- Pick: Pelicans +1
- Predicted Score: Pelicans 112 – Kings 108