Every game is a must-win for the New Orleans Pelicans as they look to jump into the fifth or sixth spot in the West. For tomorrow, they’ll have to get past the Kings’ high-powered offense. The season series is tied at one apiece.

Catch the game tomorrow at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

HOME: New Orleans Pelicans (40-38, 25-13 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • CJ McCollum
  • Trey Murphy
  • Brandon Ingram
  • Herbert Jones
  • Jonas Valanciunas

You have to like this Pels run. They are getting hot at the right time. After appearing down and out just three weeks ago, they have come alive and are now looking good to stay alive for at least the play-in. They are 7-1 over their last eight contests (SU and ATS), averaging 118 points per game with a dominating +16.9 net rating. 

Brandon Ingram, the key catalyst in the surge, should be able to continue his hot streak. He’s lording over the opposition for 30.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in that span, all on a superb shooting split of 53.2% / 45.2% / 92.7%. He’s also on a favourable spot opposite the Kings’ suspect defense.

Sweet-shooting CJ McCollum (20.8 PPG, 5.8 APG) and big man Jonas Valanciunas (14.4 PPG, 10.1 RPG), meanwhile, will be there to make their presence felt as always. Second-year swingman Trey Murphy III could be someone to watch out for too as he has 23.5 PPG on an insane 68.2% shooting in two meetings with the Kings this season.

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AWAY: Sacramento Kings (47-31, 24-14 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • De’Aaron Fox
  • Kevin Huerter
  • Harrison Barnes
  • Keegan Murray
  • Domantas Sabonis

The Kings are coming off a 142-134 overtime loss to the bottoming San Antonio Spurs, but it’s all good since they’ve clinched a playoff spot. Everything until the postseason is basically them polishing their rhythm. They are also still 16-5 in their last 21 games while also putting up a whopping 126.5 PPG. 

Tomorrow will be De’Aaron Fox’s (25.2 PPG) first meeting with the Pelicans this season as he missed the previous two encounters. As always, he should be able to weave and score his way. Same thing with the team’s other All-Star Domantas Sabonis, who’s stuffing the stat sheet for 15.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in the season series. 

With his 17.5 points and 4.0 threes per game against the Pels this season, sharpshooter Kevin Huerter is the probable third scorer, but it’s anyone’s guess. Malik Monk, Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, Davion Mitchell, and Trey Lyles are also posting double-digit scoring in the head-to-head.

The Kings are 6-1 in their last road games ATS vs. a team with a winning home record.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Pelicans (-3) win and cover the spread.Over/Under: The total hits the over (236.5)

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