Kings vs Pelicans Prediction 10/29/2026 Today’s NBA Picks

Kings vs Pelicans Prediction

I don’t want to bet on the Kings as much as the next guy, but the Pelicans have done nothing to deserve to be favored. Yes, the Pelicans are 2-2 ATS on the season, but they’re also winless with a horrible defense and have actually lost 14 of their last 15 games overall. Favored where? The Pelicans are also on the end of a back-to-back, which doesn’t help things.

This is a game you probably avoid altogether, but if forced to pick, I’d want points in my pocket with the Kings before betting the Pelicans in the favorite role. The Pelicans have to prove they can win a game before I expect them to win by margin. It’s Kings or pass for me on Thursday night.

Sacramento Kings Betting Preview

The Sacramento Kings lost to the Grizzlies and Spurs, and they play the Grizzlies next. The Kings have lost 13 of their last 17 games.

The Sacramento Kings are averaging 107.8 points on 44.5 percent shooting and allowing 125.5 points on 49.5 percent shooting. Zach LaVine is averaging 27.3 points and 3.5 rebounds, while Darius Acuff is averaging 21.5 points and 2.8 rebounds. Domantas Sabonis is the third double-digit scorer, and Precious Achiuwa is grabbing 5.5 rebounds. The Sacramento Kings are shooting 30 percent from beyond the arc and 73.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Sacramento Kings are allowing 37.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.5 rebounds per game.

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Nuggets and Jazz, and they play the Hawks next. The Pelicans have lost 14 of their last 15 games.

The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 116.3 points on 46.5 percent shooting and allowing 122 points on 49 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 20.7 points and 3 rebounds, while Dejounte Murray is averaging 20.3 points and 5 rebounds. Saddiq Bey is the third double-digit scorer, and Trey Murphy III is dishing 2.7 assists. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 29 percent from beyond the arc and 83.6 percent from the free-throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 34.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.3 rebounds per game.

Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win

• The favorites have won each of the Pelicans’ last eight games.
• The Kings have lost 28 of their last 32 road games against Western Conference opponents.
• The Pelicans have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games as home favorites against Western Conference opponents.
• The Kings have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven night games at Smoothie King Center.

Why the Sacramento Kings will win

• The Pelicans have lost each of their last six games.
• The Kings have won three of their last four games as underdogs when playing with a rest advantage.
• The Kings have covered the spread in each of their last four games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of the Pelicans’ last six games as home favorites against the Kings have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Seven of the Kings’ last eight night games at Smoothie King Center have gone UNDER the total points line.

New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts

• Jeremiah Fears has recorded eight career three-pointers against the Kings – the most against any opponent.
• Dejounte Murray ranks T5th amongst qualified players for fast break points per game (5.0) this season.

Sacramento Kings Player Facts

• Zach LaVine ranks 8th amongst qualified players for points per game (27.3) this season.
• De’Andre Hunter ranks 14th amongst qualified players for 3P% (52.9%) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for Q4 opponent points per game this season (33.3).
• The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint per game (57.5) this season.
• The Kings rank 30th in the league for net rating this season (-17.6).
• Three different Kings players have scored 25+ points in a game this season- the most in the league.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Sacramento +5.5