The New Orleans Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings tonight at the Smoothie King Center in what feels like a rare potential win for the struggling Pelicans squad.
Injuries have gutted the team’s roster, with stars Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Jose Alvarado all sidelined. Despite the absences, recent performances show the Pelicans have some life on offense, fueled by the return of Herb Jones and the sharp shooting of Trey Murphy III. Murphy in particular, fresh off a 25-point game against San Antonio, will need to stay hot to keep New Orleans competitive.
The Pelicans have earned their reputation as one of the worst offenses in the NBA this season, ranking last in the entire league in scoring (105.0 points per game). Perhaps the team’s recent output offers some hope. New Orleans eclipsed 115 points twice in the past week, including a season-high 126-point explosion against the Phoenix Suns.
According to the players, head coach Willie Green has emphasized pushing the pace in practice, and the team has had some success when Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, and Jones are in rhythm. That trio will have to do the heavy lifting tonight.
On the other side, the Kings arrive in New Orleans with a more than respectable offensive pedigree. Sacramento ranks sixth in offensive efficiency and ninth in scoring, averaging 116.4 points per game. Led by All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, the Kings have a balanced attack that thrives in transition. Fox has been lethal in clutch situations this season, leading the league with 63 clutch points while shooting 50% from the field in those moments.
His backcourt mate Malik Monk has also been a revelation, posting stellar shooting splits since moving into the starting lineup five games ago. During that stretch, Monk is averaging 19.4 points while shooting 42.9 percent from beyond the three-point line.
Kevin Huerter has been on fire as well, making 50 percent of his three-point attempts over his last four games while posting a team-leading 16.3 +/-.
Despite their offensive firepower, the Kings have been inconsistent, particularly from beyond the arc. Sacramento ranks in the bottom 10 in three-point shooting percentage. Domantas Sabonis, averaging a double-double with 20.8 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, will be a focal point in the paint, especially with New Orleans lacking size in the absence of Williamson.
New Orleans swept Sacramento last season, winning all five regular-season matchups and a critical play-in game. However, this is a vastly different Pelicans squad, plagued by injuries and searching for answers. The Kings, on a modest two-game winning streak, will look to capitalize on the Pelicans’ misfortunes and climb in the Western Conference standings.
Even with their recent success against the Kings, the Pelicans will enter the game as clear underdogs. Can they overcome adversity once again and get back into the win column?
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Sacramento Kings | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – De’Aaron Fox | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Malik Monk | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – DeMar DeRozan | F – Herb Jones |
| F – Keegan Murray | F – Trey Murphy |
| C – Domantas Sabonis | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Javonte Green (left ankle soreness) is QUESTIONABLE. Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (lumbar spine annular fissure), Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), Karol Matkovic (low back spasm), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Sacramento Kings: Devin Carter (shoulder) and Trey Lyles (right calf strain) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (5–20) vs Sacramento Kings (12-13)
Season Series:
- Dec. 12: Pelicans vs. Kings
- Feb. 8: Pelicans @ Kings
- Feb. 12: Pelicans vs. Kings
- Feb. 13: Pelicans vs. Kings
Series History: The Pelicans are 45-33 all-time versus the Sacramento Kings, and won all six matchups last season. New Orleans is 27-12 (.692) against Sacramento in the Smoothie King Center.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Dec. 12, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, Pelicans+
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
For more content, visit HITP Sports on YouTube or HITP Sports online.
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