Kings vs Pelicans Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Sabonis' Services Will Be Needed

It’s no secret that a healthy Zion Williamson makes the New Orleans Pelicans a major playoff threat — and they’ll look to make another statement tonight against the Sacramento Kings.

These two teams squared off Monday night, with the Pelicans cruising to a 129-93 win behind 31 points from Brandon Ingram and 26 points from Williamson. On the heels of three victories in their past four contests, New Orleans is back to .500.

The Kings arrive with a solid 8-5 record but they’re 4-4 on the road and had no answer for the Pelicans earlier this week. Sacramento’s offense was unusually quiet that night, including 5-for-18 shooting from De’Aaron Fox.

Check out our free NBA picks for Kings vs. Pelicans for a closer look at this November 22 matchup.

Kings vs Pelicans odds

Kings vs Pelicans predictions

There may not be a frontcourt in the league that can match the physicality of Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas, and that’s become a big part of the New Orleans Pelicans' identity. They decisively won the battle on the glass against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, with a 55-36 rebounding edge.

That’s given Mike Brown and his coaching staff plenty of film to dig into, and I’m counting on a big response from Sacramento tonight. The fatigue factor was real for the Kings in that prior matchup after a statement win the night before in Dallas, and they should be fresher here after an off day yesterday.

An improved performance from the visitors starts with Domantas Sabonis setting the tone in the paint — and that’s where I’m looking for my favourite player prop for this rematch.

He had 10 rebounds on Monday, including five offensive boards, and would have had a bigger tally if the game was close, but Sacramento needs top-tier Sabonis to keep the Pelicans off the glass. There’s no glossing over the fact that the big Lithuanian was a -36 in 31 minutes in the loss two days ago.

This is Sabonis’ type of game, with bruising battles for position in the paint. He’d posted 13+ rebounds in three straight games prior to Monday, and the visitors are short on frontcourt depth due to injuries to Trey Lyles and Alex Len.

With small-ball lineups unlikely for the Pelicans, the rebounding battle could swing the outcome of tonight’s showdown. I’m riding with Sabonis for a monster effort on the boards.

My best bet: Domantas Sabonis Over 12.5 rebounds (-115 at BetMGM)

Kings vs Pelicans same-game parlay

Domantas Sabonis Over 12.5 rebounds

Pelicans first-half moneyline

Herb Jones Over 10.5 points

+600 at bet365

After Williamson and Ingram ripped through the Sacramento defense on Monday, it’s fair to wonder how the Kings are going to flip the script tonight.

I expect that duo to be electric again here. The Pelicans have hit the first-half moneyline in 42 of their last 70 games and they led by 13 points at the interval on Monday. While the visitors may ultimately grind out a win, I see New Orleans making the faster start.

I’m also taking the Over on the Herb Jones points prop. Known as a defensive stopper, Jones has had more opportunities to flash his offensive skills for the short-handed Pelicans over the past few weeks.

He went 7-for-9 from the field on the way to 18 points against Sacramento earlier in the week, and he’s averaged 16.5 points over his last four outings. When he’s not hounding Fox on the perimeter, Jones should get some open looks at the other end of the floor.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Kings vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis

The Kings are slight favorites tonight in this heavyweight Western Conference battle, and that should be bulletin board material for the Pelicans, given their dominant win on Monday and Sacramento’s so-so road record this year.

New Orleans has won its last three games with Zion in the lineup and — despite C.J. McCollum’s absence — the hosts served up a season-high 38 assists while blowing out the Kings this week.

The Pelicans went 27-14 at home last season, but they’ve stumbled to a 5-4 start this year at Smoothie King Center.

These teams have split their last 10 meetings, but Sacramento came out on top in two of the three contests last season. Keep in mind, though, that Williamson didn’t play in any of those 2022/23 matchups.

The Under has gone 7-2-1 over that span, including Monday’s battle, which ended with 222 total points, and those NBA odds are worth a long look, especially as the Kings’ offense has been short of last season’s high standards so far.

Though the visitors should be fresher tonight, a line of 236.5 total points feels high, especially as the Pelicans have only cashed their team total Over in 24 of their last 65 contests.

Kings vs Pelicans betting trend to know

Despite a 4-4 start on their travels this year, a larger sample size suggests the Kings will be just fine away from Golden 1 Center. Sacramento is 24-14 in its past 38 road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Pelicans.

Kings vs Pelicans game info

Kings vs Pelicans latest injuries

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