The visiting Sacramento Kings hope to continue building momentum when they visit the injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans.

Catch the game tomorrow at 9:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Sacramento Kings (12-13, 6-6 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • De’Aaron Fox
  • Kevin Huerter
  • DeMar DeRozan
  • Keegan Murray
  • Domantas Sabonis

It’s been a rugged campaign for the Kings thus far, but they are showing signs of improvement. They are now 3-1 in their last four games, averaging 127.8 points per game while allowing just 109.0 on the other end.

There’s also no denying that the Kings have one of the most interesting trios in the league. De’Aron Fox (26.4 PPG, 6.0 APG, 1.7 SPG) and DeMar DeRozan (22.5 PPG, 1.5 SPG) are two clutch performers, and Domantas Sabonis (20.8 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 6.2 APG) is an all-around big man. All three are also averaging over 20 points on the season, with Fox and Sabonis also collectively filling the stat sheet in assists and rebounds. On the flipside, however, defense has remained suspect. “Their best defense is great offense,” as others would put it.

Nevertheless, the offensive impact is everywhere in the second tier too. Keegan Murray (12.2 PPG) and Malik Monk (16.3 PPG) are capable weapons and can go off any day of the week, with Murray being a good rebounder as well.

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HOME: New Orleans Pelicans (5-20, 4-8 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Dejounte Murray
  • CJ McCollum
  • Trey Murphy III
  • Herb Jones
  • Yves Missi

The Pelicans have been decimated by injuries, and it’s been pretty evident in their record. They have dropped 11 of their last 12, and are on a -14.8 point differential across that span (104.8 PPG, 119.6 PAPG).

Dejounte Murray (15.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.5 APG, 2.3 SPG) will be in his eighth game back from a hand fracture, and appears to be one of the top options with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram both sidelined. He’s been highly inefficient, though, shooting just 33.6% on the season. Everyone’s still waiting when he’ll be able to pick up the pace. CJ McCollum, who likewise had an injury that caused him to sit for three weeks, is alongside Murray, and he’s posting 21.2 PPG over his last six games. Trey Murphy III is benefitting from the said absences as he’s at a career-high 18.0 PPG, and is coming off a season-high 25 points.

Finally, Brandon Boston Jr. (12.1 PPG) rookie Yves Missi (9.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG), and ace defender Herb Jones will lead the secondary guys.

PICKS:

Spread: Kings (-6)

Over/Under: Over (231.5)

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