Kings vs Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips 13 Dec 2024 - NBA Prediction
NLB Staff
11.12.2024 17:46
Kings vs Pelicans Prediction
With the Sacramento Kings finally finding a groove after a very up and down beginning to this season, they play a very injured Pelicans unit. As the Kings come off a 141-97 win against Utah, this Pelicans unit lost by 5 points to San Antonio. This matchup will occur on December 13th at 6:30 A.M. IST in Golden 1 Center of Sacramento. Below are our key betting tips, vital injuries, top player props, and head-to-head trends in order to come out with an accurate prediction.
Kings vs Pelicans Key Betting Tips & Predictions
1. Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans Moneyline Pick
As Sacramento has a -215 moneyline during this matchup, it should be taken because they have much more skill. Having one of the strongest backcourts in NBA play with Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox, this duo should dominate Dejounte Murray plus CJ McColloum scoring-wise. With Demar Derozan having a rebounding and shooting mismatch on Trey Murphy’s less efficent defense, the Keegan Murray vs Herbert Jones battle will be all about their defensive prowess. Although both should slow each other down, Murray will have more boards while Domantas Sabonis is a way better all-around talent than Yves Missi. Seeing this, the -215 moneyline will lead to a new streak for Sacramento vs New Orleans.
2. Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans Point Spread Pick
Having a -5 spread in this game, Sacramento will win it because they are the much healthier squad entering play. Being led by point guard De’Aaron Fox, his ability to create shots from inside and knock down outside looks will be a very key part of this offense. Showing that he has grown as a passer too, the Kings guard will dominate Dejounte Murray’s strong defense. Having great speed to do it, he will using quick hands and great reach-in ability to create steals plus limit Murray’s shooting ability. With Malik Monk being a vital knockdown shooter for Sacramento, his three-point shooting will come huge against someone like C.J. McColloum. As McColloum has shown lapses in those situations this season, he will be going up against an elite close out defender that will force him to take more uncomfortable looks. Seeing that Demar Derozan is a great scorer that can provide from almost anywhere, his accuracy will be a key against another very solid one in Trey Murphy III. Although Murphy will score points on deeper looks, Derozan can create blocks inside and limit his ability to score near paint areas. With a piece that can force turnovers for transition points, he helps Keegan Murray win a massive rebounding battle in a defensive matchup with Herbert Jones. Having Domantas Sabonis as a better rebounder, stronger passer, and efficient scorer over Yves Missi, this -5 spread for Sacramento should be selected.
3. Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans Over/Under Pick (Total Points)
As the over/under is 230.5 points, both units should have several options that can finish inside or around the basket. With New Orleans having a point guard that has the ability to drive in for layups or hit top-of-the-key shots, his counterpart shooting guard continues being a big-time three-point shooter. Having a small forward that can put in shots from anywhere, this unit has a center known for his strength on 2nd chance opportunities. Meanwhile, Sacramento has one of the fastest guards that can create near the rim or from deep. Being someone that can really pass for others as well, his shooting guard will remain a vital outside shooter. Having a small forward that’s an all-around scoring talent, their power forward has improved perimeter shooting every game. Having a center who can finish and pass, this game should be a little below their 258 combined points from last time.
Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans Top Player Props
De’Aaron Fox over 25.5 points at 1.69: As the Kings point guard continues attacking every defender with his speed and ability to create shots, he should have another great game. Matched up with Dejounte Murray, he is one of the few guards that can beat this Pelicans defense star having quick agility and athletic moves for finishes. Averaging 26.4 points a night, he should go well over the average in this game.
CJ Mcolloum under 21.5 points at 1.71: Seeing that the Pelicans guard is having a solid year shooting the ball, his struggles remain against stronger defenders. Having to face Malik Monk in this game, he will have a lot tougher looks and not be able to hit the simple inside shots that McColloum is prone to hitting. Scoring 20.3 points a night, he will be under the line in this matchup.
Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans Injury News & Impact
Sacramento Kings Injuries: As Trey Lyles is still out with a right calf strain, Sacramento misses one of their key pieces off the bench.
New Orleans Pelicans Injuries: With Brandon Ingram, 22.2 points, out with an ankle injury, this unit is without their other star Zion Williamson, 22.7 points, due to a hamstring issue. Having Jose Alvardo out with a hamstring injury, this unit will also be missing Jordan Hawkins because of a back issue. Seeing that Daniel Theis is expected to miss time due to a neck issue, this roster will be even more depleted with Javonte Green having ankle problems.
Kings vs Pelicans Head-to-Head Trends
Although the Pelicans have won 5 straight game against Sacramento, their lack of depth will change this script completely. With the Kings trying to build their own streak, this unit has scored over 100 in 8 of their past 9 games and 113.3 in 3 previous matchups. Being 2-8 against the spread in their previous 10 games, the Kings will hope to close in on this record and make it much closer.
Betting Insights & Public Trends
Looking at the current public trends, this Kings unit is backed by 69.7% of bettors to beat New Orleans in this matchup.
Kings vs Pelicans Final Prediction
As the Kings enter this game being on a very solid winning streak, they have found a place that helps them be a much better unit. Having a easy matchup against a much weaker New Orleans roster, this group should really have a dominating performance. With De’Aaron Fox leading the way, his passing ability will be the first key for this unit. Someone that is always looking for his open teammates, he provides a lot of quick baskets with high-energy and agility, while also knocking down deep looks with ease. Known for spacing creation, he should continue this against a much stronger defender in Dejounte Murray. Although Murray has been known for steals, this is the one rare matchup he will be kept quiet. Even though the Pelicans guard is a great assist creator in his right, Fox’s quickness will allow for a lot of loose balls and steals leading to open floor layups. Having Malik Monk at shooting guard really gives this unit a piece that can keep knocking down threes against a weaker defender in C.J. McColloum. Although, Monk may have a couple small lapses due to McColloum’s accuray from deep, his closeout ability will really be the Pelicans SG’s deep-shooting prowess quiet.
Having Demar Derozan as a key finisher who can also hit his perimeter looks, his advantage against Trey Murphy III will be huge. Knowing that Murphy hasn’t really been an elite defender this season, Derozan can find his shot from anywhere and really create inside as well. Even though the Kings small forward will give up some three-point looks to Murphy this game, he will create blocks whenever the Pelicans forward tries driving in. As Keegan Murray is going to be stuck in a huge defensive matchup with Herbert Jones throughout, he has the wingspan to get more rebounds. With Domantas Sabonis being a much stronger all-around player than Yves Missi, the Kings bench having Keon Ellis and Jae Crowder should provide. Meanwhile, Javonte Green and Antonio Reeves will look to grow an even bigger role in this game to keep it closer.
Our prediction: Sacramento Kings win this game and cover their -5 spread, while the score goes over 230.5 points.
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