It’s the start of a new era in New Orleans as the Pelicans head to Sacramento looking to snap a seven-game losing streak and a five-game skid on the road. The trip marks the first game for the Pels since trading Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors, a move that brought in veterans Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk. However, neither will suit up for their new team until after this current road trip, meaning New Orleans will again be undermanned as it faces a Kings squad adjusting to a midseason shakeup of its own.
Sacramento has struggled lately, going 4-6 in its last ten games, continuing to hover around the .500 mark. The Kings sit tied for the final Play-in spot in the Western Conference, two games away from securing the 8th seed. Newly acquired Zach LaVine is still becoming acclimated to his new surroundings, averaging 17.5 points in his first two games with the team while shooting just 38 percent from the field, down from his season averages of 23.7 and 50.5 respectively. The Kings have relied on DeMar DeRozan who played alongside LaVine with the Chicago Bulls. DeRozan is putting up 22.5 points per game over his last ten outings.
For the Pelicans, Willie Green has used 27 different starting combinations so far this season, and may have to go with his 28th tonight. After the Ingram trade, the Pelicans seem to have recentered the organization around the talents of Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. Even during the losing streak, Williamson has shown why the Pelicans continue to believe in him, scoring at least 28 points in four of his last five games despite playing under 30 minutes in each. Murphy, benefiting from Ingram’s extended absence before the trade, is growing into a star before our eyes, averaging 26.1 points and shooting 40% from beyond the arc since Jan. 1.
CJ McCollum scored 36 points against the Kings in their previous meeting, a 111-109 Pelicans loss on Dec. 12. Murphy also contributed 21 points in that game, but the Pelicans were unable to contain Domantas Sabonis. The Kings’ center dropped 32 points and 21 rebounds that night and continues to be a force on the glass, leading the team with 14.3 rebounds per game and the NBA with 45 double-doubles.
While the playoffs are likely out of reach, the Pelicans still have something to play for. The Kings are clinging to their play-in position, and the Pels have a chance to damage their postseason odds. New Orleans has had plenty of success against the Kings, winning seven of the last 10 games.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Sacramento Kings | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Malik Monk | G – CJ McCollum |
| G – Zach LaVine | G – Trey Murphy |
| F – DeMar DeRozan | F – Zion Williamson |
| F – Keegan Murray | F – Karlo Matkovic |
| C – Domantas Sabonis | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Sacramento Kings: None reported
New Orleans Pelicans: Karlo Matkovic (illness) is QUESTIONABLE. Bruce Brown (not with team), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), and Kelly Olynyk (not with team) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (12-39) vs Sacramento Kings (25-26)
Season Series:
- Dec. 12: Kings def. Pelicans, 111-109
- Feb. 8: Pelicans at Kings
- Feb. 12: Pelicans vs. Kings
- Feb. 13: Pelicans vs. Kings
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 44-34 all-time against the Sacramento Kings and are 7-3 in the last 10 games between them.
Where: Golden 1 Center
When: Feb. 8, 9:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network/WVUE
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM/105.3 FM
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