The New Orleans Pelicans welcome the Sacramento Kings to the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night, desperately searching for a way to stop the bleeding. Heading into tonight’s matchup, New Orleans has dropped nine straight and looks headed for another double-digit losing streak.
A loss would give the Pelicans their second losing streak of at least 10 games this season, and the eighth in franchise history. Three of the previous seven double-digit losing streaks have come since the team drafted Zion Williamson in 2019.
Sacramento, on the other hand, has its sights set on the Western Conference play-in race. The Kings are coming off a 129-128 overtime win against the Dallas Mavericks, with DeMar DeRozan delivering a 42-point performance, including the game-winning bucket. With De’Aaron Fox now in San Antonio, DeRozan and newly acquired Zach LaVine (23.5 ppg vs New Orleans) will be a difficult assignment for the Pelicans’ perimeter defenders.
| Losing Streak | Year(s) | Coach(es) |
| 13 | 2019 | Alvin Gentry |
| 11 | 2024-25 | Willie Green |
| 11 | 2016 | Monty Williams, Gentry |
| 11 | 2012 | Williams |
| 11 | 2004 | Byron Scott |
| 10 | 2023 | Green |
| 10 | 2004-05 | Scott |
Can New Orleans Compete?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the Pelicans have struggled in nearly every facet of the game recently. They’re allowing 127.8 points per contest over their last 10 games, with opponents shooting at will. Even on offense, where Zion Williamson remains a dominant force, New Orleans lacks consistent scoring depth. Trey Murphy III continues to grow before our eyes, but his development hasn’t been enough to lift the Pelicans out of the basement.
The backcourt rotation is another concern. Jose Alvarado brings energy, but without CJ McCollum (questionable for personal reasons), the Pelicans’ offense could become even more reliant on Murphy and Williamson. The Kings aren’t exactly a defensive powerhouse (ranking 19th in defensive efficiency), but the level of the opponent hasn’t mattered lately. The Pelicans have struggled against good and bad teams alike.
Sacramento’s X-Factors
The Kings will operate through Domantas Sabonis. Averaging 20.4 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, Sabonis will be a matchup nightmare for the Pelicans. With Kelly Olynyk out and rookie big men Karlo Matkovic and Yves Missi still trying to find consistency on the defensive end, expect Sacramento to attack the paint early and often.
Keegan Murray’s recent uptick in efficiency (49% from the field, 37% from three over his last 10 games) gives Sacramento another dangerous scoring option. While the Kings aren’t known for their three-point shooting, they still rank slightly ahead of the Pelicans from deep. In a game where both teams struggle beyond the arc, whoever finds their rhythm first could create enough separation to control it.
Can the Pelicans Steal One?
If New Orleans wants to break its losing streak, it will take an inspired effort from Zion and Murphy, plus a surprise contribution from a role player like Alvarado or Jordan Hawkins. Keeping DeRozan from getting comfortable in the mid-range and limiting Sabonis’ playmaking will also be crucial.
At this point, Pelicans fans aren’t asking for much—just something to feel good about. A competitive showing at home against a Kings squad fighting for playoff positioning would be a step in the right direction. But given the way New Orleans has played lately, it’s hard to see that happening.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Sacramento Kings | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Malik Monk | G – Jose Alvarado |
| 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: CJ McCollum (personal reasons) is QUESTIONABLE. Brandon Boston (left ankle sprain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), and Kelly Olynyk (not with team) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (12-41) vs Sacramento Kings (27-26)
Season Series:
- Dec. 12: Kings def. Pelicans, 111-109
- Feb. 8: Kings def. Pelicans, 123-118
- Feb. 12: Pelicans vs. Kings
- Feb. 13: Pelicans vs. Kings
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 44-35 all-time against the Sacramento Kings Thunder and have lost two consecutive games to them.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Feb. 12, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, Pelicans+
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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