2024 NBA Play-In Tournament Preview - Kings vs. Pelicans: Which team will earn the 8th seed of the Western Conference playoffs? April 18, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

On Friday, the stakes couldn't be higher as the New Orleans Pelicans clash with the Sacramento Kings in a high-octane showdown in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Set to determine the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, both teams are ready to leave it all on the court in pursuit of postseason glory. Game time is set 9:30PM EDT at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA.

Led by their dynamic duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. However, Williamson is not ready to play after sustaining hamstring injury in their last game against the Lakers. Expect CJ McCollum to partner anew with Brandom Ingram to lead the team's offense while Zion is out.

The Kings, on the other hand, boast their own arsenal of young talent led by De'Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray. Fox's electrifying speed and playmaking ability have propelled Sacramento's offense, while Murray's basketball IQ and shooting touch add versatility in the perimeter. With big man Domantas Sabonis providing a physical presence inside, the Kings have the tools to disrupt their opponents' game plan.

Injury Report

Sacramento Kings

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Malik Monk	SG	Out

New Orleans Pelicans

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Zion Williamson	PF	Out

Sports Bet Odds

Despite playing on the road, the Kings are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Kings are favored by 1.5 points, with a money line of -125.
• The Pelicans are the underdogs by 1.5 points, with a money line of -105.
• The over/under is set at 214 points, with the over at -108 and the under at -112.

In what is sure to be a fiercely contested matchup, expect both teams to come out firing on all cylinders. Tune in to witness the drama unfold as the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Sacramento Kings in a do-or-die battle for postseason glory!

Team Stats

Sacramento Kings		New Orleans Pelicans
116.6	Point Per Game	115.1
114.8	Points Allowed	110.7
47.7%	FG% Per Game	48.6%
44.0	Rebounds Per Game	44.4
28.3	Assists Per Game	27.0