The New Orleans Pelicans (13-12) challenge the Sacramento Kings (7-17) at Smoothie King Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 8, 2017, and will air on NBC Sports – California.
Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans ATS Prediction
The Kings are hoping for a better outcome after their 101-95 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last matchup. Cleveland’s 0.167 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Sacramento, who had a mark of 0.081. The Cavaliers’ mark was below their season average of 0.231, while the Kings’ was below their season average of 0.155. Zach Randolph led Sacramento in scoring with 18 points on 8-for-20 shooting.
The last time the Pelicans played, they defeated the Denver Nuggets, 123-114. The Pelicans had a free throw rate of 0.221 (above their season average of 0.186) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.8 (above their season average of 20.2). DeMarcus Cousins was the top scorer from either team with 40 points on 12-for-25 shooting.
The sweet-shooting offense of New Orleans will go head-to-head against the porous defense of Sacramento. The Pelicans currently rank fifth in effective field goal percentage (0.546), while the Kings are 30th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.553). The Pelicans should have the edge on that end of the court.
Sacramento heads into the game with records of 7-17 straight up (SU) and 10-11-3 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of the Kings’ games have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, New Orleans owns records of 13-12 SU and 14-11 ATS. Vegas tends to place the total low when the Pelicans are involved, as 56.0 percent of their games have gone over the total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Randolph (17.0 points and 7.6 rebounds) has been fantastic for the Kings while Jrue Holiday (22.6 points and 4.8 assists) has made great contributions to the Pelicans.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Cousins scored a game-high 41 points and the Pelicans beat the Kings 114-106, covering as 1-point underdogs. He also recorded 23 rebounds and six assists. The game finished with a total of 220 points, which was 16 points above the projected point total of 204 points. New Orleans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 vs. 11.9). Sacramento, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (23-25; 92.0 percent).
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Kings, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Sacramento is 4-7-3 ATS with 7 overs, 6 unders and 1 push.
At home, New Orleans is 6-6 ATS with 7 overs and 5 unders.
Sacramento is 3-2 when they allow below 100 points, while New Orleans is 4-0.
When scoring over 100 points, the Kings are 4-4 and the Pelicans are 11-7.
New Orleans ranks second in assists per game (26.2) while Sacramento ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.5).
The Pelicans rank 12th in three pointers attempted per game (30.2) while the Kings rank last (21.3).
Sacramento ranks third in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.0) while New Orleans ranks 21st (18.4).
The Kings rank 10th in steals per game (8.3) while the Pelicans rank 27th in steals allowed per game (8.8).
New Orleans ranks second in points in the paint per game (51.7) while Sacramento ranks 18th (41.9).
The Kings rank 12th in fast break points allowed per game (10.6) while the Pelicans rank 27th (14.0).
New Orleans ranks 14th in rebounds per game (44.0) while Sacramento ranks 28th (39.4).
The Kings rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while the Pelicans rank ninth (4.3).
New Orleans averages 12.7 second chance points per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. Sacramento ranks 15th in second chance points allowed per game (12.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Sacramento is 3-1-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
New Orleans is 2-3 ATS with 5 overs over their last five games.
The Kings’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 9.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 114.2 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.8 points per game (7.6 above their season average).
