The New Orleans Pelicans will try to avoid growing their losing streak to 10 games as they host the Sacramento Kings tonight.
Sacramento’s trade deadline additions will give it some serious matchup advantages, which is why I’m taking it to cover in my Kings vs. Pelicans predictions.
Let’s take a closer look at this matchup in my free NBA picks for Wednesday, February 12.
Kings vs Pelicans prediction
My best bet
Kings -5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans are more interested in improving their lottery position than winning games right now, and that was clear well before their current nine-game losing streak. The trade deadline only clarified their intentions, as Brandon Ingram and Daniel Theis were sent out, while New Orleans got two draft picks and Kelly Olynyk in return.
Olynyk will need to have an outstanding game to keep the Pelicans close tonight, as he — along with Yves Missi — will be tasked with stopping what is becoming an intimidating post presence for the Sacramento Kings.
Domantas Sabonis has been averaging 20.4 points per game and 14.3 rebounds all year long, and he has already been a problem for New Orleans in prior matchups.
Sacramento has also brought in Jonas Valanciunas via a trade, and while he hasn’t been starting for the Kings, interim coach Doug Christie has begun putting him on the court at the same time as Sabonis. On Monday, that combination led the Kings to dominate the Dallas Mavericks on the boards.
That’s a problem for New Orleans, which is one of the worst rebounding teams in the league. The Pelicans have an overall rebounding percentage of 47.9% — the second-worst mark in the NBA, and they also hold a league-worst defensive rating of 118.6.
The Kings have also added another significant offensive weapon in Zach LaVine (23.5 ppg), who has scored 20+ points in two of his first four games in Sacramento. That included having a big game against the Pelicans on Saturday when he finished with 22 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
New Orleans isn’t winning games right now, and that’s not going to change tonight. I’m taking the Kings to cover.
Kings vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Kings -4.5
Over 238.5
Domantas Sabonis Over 40.5 points + rebounds + assists
I like the Kings to win this one comfortably, and I’m also expecting a lot of points on both sides. These teams both play towards the Over, and that’s been especially true lately, as the Kings and Pelicans have both been playing to totals of 240+ on a somewhat regular basis over the past couple of weeks.
Sabonis is averaging a combined 41.0 PRA per game and put up a total of 45 (27 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists) in his last meeting with the Pelicans on Saturday. In a game where the entire Sacramento offense should average big numbers, I like Sabonis to fill up the stat sheet and eclipse this total.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Kings vs Pelicans odds
Kings vs Pelicans live odds
Kings vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: Sacramento -4 (-110) | New Orleans +4 (-110)
- Moneyline: Sacramento -170 | New Orleans +145
- Over/Under: Over 238.5 (-110) | Under 238.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Kings vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Pelicans are 21-31-1 against the spread this season, while the Kings have posted an 18-32-3 ATS record.
- Sacramento is 2-0 against New Orleans this season, though the Pelicans have covered in both games.
- The Over has a 31-22 record in Kings games this season and has also gone 30-22-1 for the Pelicans.
- New Orleans is playing to an average total of 229.2 ppg on the season, with Sacramento averaging a total of 232.1 ppg.
Kings vs Pelicans trend
New Orleans is 0-9 straight up and 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Kings vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Wednesday, 2-12-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC Sports California, Pelicans+ |
Kings vs Pelicans latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
