Can the struggling New Orleans Pelicans break their slump against a tanking Sacramento Kings squad?
The New Orleans Pelicans have now lost six straight games, but are finally playing a non-playoff team again as they continue their road trip against the Sacramento Kings.
The Pelicans are now 25-52 on the year. The record has been bad all year, but they had hoped to close the year a bit stronger, potentially getting to 30 wins. Instead, their weaknesses got exposed as they faced eight straight playoff teams.
The Kings are tanking, 20-57 on the season. If New Orleans isn't able to win this game, then things are far more dire than initially expected.
Here is a quick rundown of important information to know before the game tips off on Friday:
When is New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings
Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Time: 9:00 PM CT
Location: Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, CA)
How to Watch New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings
Streaming: Pelicans+, NBA League Pass, NBA TV
TV Channel: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Local Radio: WWL 870 AM
New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings Betting Lines
Moneyline: NO -218
Spread: NO -6.5
Over/Under: 234.5
New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings Projected Starting Lineups
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, Yves Missi
Kings: Devin Carter, DeMar Derozan, Nique Clifford, Precious Achiuwa, Maxime Raynaud
New Orleans Pelicans at Sacramento Kings Injury Updates
Pelicans:
Bryce McGowens (right small toe fracture) - Out
Dejounte Murray (right Achilles injury management) - Out
Karlo Matkovic (low back spasms) - Questionable
Trey Murphy (right ankle sprain) - Probable
It's a great sign to see Murphy leaning towards playing again this season, especially with Murray sitting for the second part of the back-to-back. Matkovic remaining questionable before the game is also a good sign, though they likely won't push anything unnecessary.
Kings:
Patrick Baldwin Jr. (G League two-way) - Out
Drew Eubanks (left thumb UCL repair) - Out
De'Andre Hunter (left eye retinal repair) - Out
Zach LaVine (right finger tendon repair) - Out
Keegan Murray (left ankle sprain) - Out
Domantas Sabonis (left knee meniscus repair) - Out
Isaiah Stevens (G League two-way) - Out
Russell Westbrook (right toe injury) - Out
Malik Monk (right shoulder soreness) - Questionable
The Kings are in a full-blown tank and that is shown by their injury report. Derozan is the only "star" player or even regular starter who is playing. It allows future pieces like Carter, Clifford and Raynuad to get more playing time.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER". The National Council on Problem Gambling help-line is also often cited at 1-800-522-4700.