Game Preview: New Orleans Pelicans At Sacramento Kings

By Gabe Callahan | Jan 13, 2016

Oct 17, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) rebounds the ball against Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) and guard guard Rajon Rondo (9)in the second half at Rupp Arena. Sacramento Kings defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

The Sacramento Kings (15-22) face the New Orleans Pelicans (11-26) at Sleep Train Arena tonight in a game that the Kings should, and honestly, need to win. Sacramento is in the running to make the playoffs for the first time in years, and winning at home tonight is crucial for the team, especially before they set off on a western division road trip.

Sacramento is two games behind Utah in the western division. The Jazz currently sit in the 8th spot for the playoffs. Both teams play tonight before they meet tomorrow in Salt Lake City, where the Kings have a chance to catch up in the standings.

The Pelicans are coming off a loss last night against the L.A. Lakers and All-star Anthony Davis is questionable to play. Sacramento has had three days rest. The Kings are looking hungry and determined the last few games and their playoff hopes seem to be driving them. Because of injuries, New Orleans is not having the season everyone thought they would have. The Kings should win this one.

But these are the Sacramento Kings, and this season whenever it looked good on paper for the Kings to get a win, they have found ways to foul it up.

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DeMarcus Cousins had a 33-10-3 (points-rebounds-assists) night in a loss against the Golden State Warriors in the Kings’ last game and he should have another good game against N.O.

Omri Casspi has been upgraded to probable after returning to practice after missing the last four games with a sore back. Having Casspi back in the lineup will be encouraging for Sacramento. He still ranks fourth in the league in 3-point shooting at 47.7 percent.

Tyreke Evens returns once again to Sacramento, and he always plays well against his former team. Expect him to have the ball a lot in tonight’s game, particularly if Davis does not play.

Three Keys to the Game for the Kings:

Perimeter Defense- This will be a permanent key to the game for the Kings until they start to play actual defense on the perimeter. Teams that struggle with shooting percentage and have poor offensive stats always seem to excel against the Kings. Sacramento doesn’t even have to play good defense. Mediocre defense would be a step up.

Be Motivated- Kings have struggled to be motivated for games they are expected to win like this one. Because of that, they have had some very disappointing losses. The Kings need to be aggressive starting with the first minute of the first quarter. They need to get a quick lead and not look back.

Know Your Role-

DeMarcus has been on a tear the last five games, and that is in part to him finally feeling comfortable in Coach

George Karl’s

sped up offense.

shot has resurfaced in 2016.

is leading the league in assists and Casspi will hopefully continue his career best three-point-shooting percentage. If everyone stays in their lane, the Kings should always be competitive.

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Probable starting lineups:

Pelicans: Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon, Dante Cunningham, Ryan Anderson, Omer Asik

Kings: Rajon Rondo, Ben McLemore, Rudy Gay, Quincy Acy, Demarcus Cousins

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