New Orleans Pelicans (12-42) vs Sacramento Kings (28-26)
Game Info: Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 8:00 pm (Smoothie King Center)
Betting Odds: New Orleans Pelicans +6.5 -- Over/Under: 236.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
The Sacramento Kings (27-26) will visit the New Orleans Pelicans (12-41) at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The Pelicans are currently on a nine-game losing streak and are looking to turn their season around. In their most recent game, the Kings secured a narrow 129-128 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, with standout performances from their key players.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, have struggled defensively, as evidenced by a significant loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a recent matchup. In terms of betting odds, the Kings are favored, with a 68% chance of winning according to predictive analytics models. The point spread favors Sacramento by 5 points, and the over/under for total points scored is set at 240.
Malik Monk Over 19.5 Points
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk has been a significant contributor to his team's offense during the 2024-25 NBA season. Over 49 games, he is averaging 18.0 points per game, ranking him 52nd in the league. His shooting efficiency includes a field goal percentage of 44.3%.
This matchup sets up perfectly for Malik Monk to have a big night scoring the ball. We have a total of 240 points set by the odds makers so expect a shootout. The Pelicans have been horrible guarding the perimeter this season. New Orleans is allowing 14.4 3-pointers per game to opposing teams which is the third most in the league. With Malik Monk’s lethal 3-point shooting abilities I expect him to be on fire in this one.
Trey Murphy Over 22.5 Points
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III has emerged as a key offensive contributor during this NBA season. Over 34 games, he is averaging 22.6 points per game, along with 5.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists. His shooting efficiency includes a field goal percentage of 47.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 38.2%.
Trey Murphy has been flying under the radar this season. He's gotten over this number of 23.5 points in five of his last six games. In two of those games, we saw him put up 40 points against the Boston Celtics and 41 points against the Denver Nuggets. Now he gets a favorable matchup against this Sacramento Kings team that allows 115.7 points per game to opposing teams which is well above the league average. With the Pelicans being banged up guys like Trey Murphy will need to step up on the offensive side of the ball to give New Orleans any chance of winning games.
Domantas Sabonis Over 14.5 Rebounds
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis has been a dominant force on the boards during this NBA season. He leads the league with an average of 14.3 rebounds per game. His rebounding prowess is further highlighted by his total of 716 rebounds, with 517 coming from defensive efforts and 199 from offensive plays. Sabonis has delivered several standout performances this season.
Sabonis is no question the best rebounder in the league. He played this Pelicans team just a few nights ago and secured 16 rebounds in that game. New Orleans is weak in the paint and their rebounding numbers prove that. The Pelicans are giving up 54.9 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is the third most in the league. I understand this line is set extremely high but it's for good reason, expect Sabonis to have a standout night on the glass.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
