The New Orleans Pelicans (1-0) welcome the Sacramento Kings (0-1) to Smoothie King Center for their home opener. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports – California.
New Orleans opened as an 11-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 229 points.
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction
Although the Kings were beaten by the Utah Jazz in their last contest, 123-117, they did cover as 8.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (240) finished well over the projected point total of 205.5. One of Utah’s biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 38 trips to the line, while Sacramento went just 18 times. Willie Cauley-Stein was Sacramento’s leading scorer with 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
The last time the Pelicans played, they had no trouble getting past the Houston Rockets, 131-112, despite being 8-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (243) finished over the projected point total of 232. New Orleans’ rebounding was their biggest strength. The Pelicans had 14 offensive rebounds and 54 total rebounds, while the Rockets had eight and 37, respectively. Anthony Davis was the game’s high scorer with 32 points on 13-for-21 shooting.
It will be a matchup of opposite styles as the up-and-down Pelicans will look to push the slower-paced Kings. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, the Pelicans rank second in possessions per game while the Kings are 28th.
Since last season, the Kings have had records of 27-56 straight up (SU) and 41-39-3 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring Sacramento have had a tendency to finish under the O/U total since last season (55.4 percent).
The Pelicans, on the other hand, are 49-34 SU and 39-42-2 ATS since last season. Games including New Orleans have had a slight tendency to finish under the projected point total over that same stretch (53.0 percent).
These two teams split four games last season. The Pelicans won the most recent game 114-101. New Orleans’ 0.633 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Sacramento, who had a mark of 0.468.
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Free Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
New Orleans is 13-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Sacramento is 18-7.
The Kings are 17-22 when they score above 100 points, while the Pelicans are 50-25.
Sacramento ranks eighth in second chance points allowed per game (11.6) while New Orleans ranks last (13.7).
The Pelicans rank third in assists per game (26.9) while the Kings rank 25th (21.5).
Sacramento ranks fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.3) while New Orleans ranks 26th (47.5).
The Pelicans rank eighth in rebounds per game (44.6) while the Kings rank 28th (40.9).
New Orleans ranks third in blocks per game (5.8) while Sacramento ranks 22nd (4.1).
The Pelicans rank third in fast break points per game (15.6) while the Kings rank 20th (10.5).
Sacramento ranks 11th in steals per game (7.8) while New Orleans ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.3).
The Pelicans rank 19th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while the Kings rank 28th (23.9).
Sacramento ranks 23rd in points off turnovers per game (15.4) while New Orleans ranks 24th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.5).
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