The New Orleans Pelicans travel to Sacramento for an NBA regular-season matchup against the Sacramento Kings on April 3, 2026. The game takes place at Golden 1 Center and both teams enter this contest after difficult seasons in the Western Conference standings. Sacramento recently returned from a long road trip and managed to finish it with a morale-boosting win in Toronto, while New Orleans arrives after a disappointing loss in Portland and is currently struggling with a losing streak.
Although both teams have already fallen out of playoff contention, this matchup still carries importance as players aim to finish the season strongly and showcase their form. Recent meetings between these teams have been high-scoring affairs, and the Pelicans have had the upper hand lately, including two convincing wins this season. With defensive struggles on both sides and several injuries affecting rotations, this contest could turn into an open and fast-paced game with plenty of scoring opportunities.
Match Information
MatchNew Orleans Pelicans vs Sacramento KingsDateApril 3, 2026Time10:00 PM ETVenueGolden 1 Center, SacramentoBroadcastGCSEN, NBCSCA, NBA TV
Team Records
TeamRecordConference PositionNew Orleans Pelicans25-52Lower WestSacramento Kings20-57Lower West
The records show how difficult the season has been for both franchises. However, the Pelicans still have a better win total and have recently dominated the head-to-head meetings.
Recent Form
TeamLast 5 GamesSacramento KingsW, L, L, L, LNew Orleans PelicansL, L, L, L, L
Sacramento finally ended a four-game losing streak with a strong performance against Toronto, winning 123-115 on the road. DeMar DeRozan led the team with an impressive scoring performance in that victory.
New Orleans, meanwhile, continues to struggle. The Pelicans have lost several games in a row and most recently fell 118-106 against Portland. Their offense has looked inconsistent and the defense has allowed too many points during this stretch.
Head-to-Head Record
CategoryResultTotal Meetings53Pelicans Wins32Kings Wins21
The Pelicans clearly have the edge in the historical matchup. They also won both meetings this season, including a dominant 120-94 victory and a high-scoring 133-123 win in Sacramento.
Team Performance Snapshot
Stat CategoryKingsPelicansAverage Points Scored112.4110.7Points Allowed122.2115.8Last 10 Games Record4-63-7
Both teams have struggled defensively this season. Sacramento allows more than 120 points per game, while New Orleans has also been vulnerable on defense, especially from the perimeter.
Injury Report
Sacramento Kings
PlayerStatusPatrick Baldwin Jr.OutDrew EubanksOutDe’Andre HunterOutZach LaVineOutKeegan MurrayOutDomantas SabonisOutIsaiah StevensOutMalik MonkQuestionable
The Kings are heavily affected by injuries, especially in their frontcourt and scoring rotation.
New Orleans Pelicans
PlayerStatusKarlo MatkovicQuestionableBryce McGowensQuestionableDejounte MurrayQuestionable
The Pelicans also have a few uncertain names in their lineup but remain in a better situation compared to Sacramento.
Key Players to Watch
New Orleans Pelicans
PlayerRoleZion WilliamsonOffensive leader and interior scorerSaddiq BeyThree-point specialistTrey MurphyWing scorer and shooter
Saddiq Bey has been particularly impressive recently. The forward has hit more than 2.5 three-pointers in eight straight games and has been extremely efficient from long range during that period.
Sacramento Kings
PlayerRoleDeMar DeRozanPrimary scorerMaxime RaynaudRising offensive contributorCarterDefensive presence
Maxime Raynaud has been in strong form recently and has crossed the 13-point mark in several recent games, making him an interesting scoring option for Sacramento.
Pelicans vs Kings Betting Odds
MarketOddsSpreadPelicans -5.5 / Kings +5.5MoneylinePelicans -220 / Kings +180Total Points234.5
The betting market favors New Orleans despite their recent losing streak, mainly because Sacramento continues to deal with injuries and inconsistent play.
Best Player Prop Picks
PlayerProp BetInsightSaddiq BeyOver 2.5 Three-PointersStrong recent shooting formMaxime RaynaudOver 13.5 PointsSolid scoring stretch recently
Both players have shown consistent offensive production and could play key roles in this matchup.
Match Analysis
Recent meetings between these teams have produced plenty of points. The Pelicans scored 133 points in their last trip to Sacramento, while the Kings recently put up 123 points in their victory against Toronto.
Defensive issues on both sides suggest another open contest. Sacramento allows one of the highest scoring averages in the league, and New Orleans has struggled to contain opponents on the perimeter. With players looking to finish the season positively and pressure reduced due to playoff elimination, offensive freedom could lead to a high-scoring game.
Predicted Score
TeamPredicted PointsNew Orleans Pelicans121Sacramento Kings115
Best Picks for the Game
Bet TypePredictionTotal PointsOver 234.5Player PropSaddiq Bey Over 2.5 Three-PointersPlayer PropMaxime Raynaud Over 13.5 Points
The offensive style of both teams and recent scoring trends make the total points market the most attractive option.
Final Prediction
The Pelicans have dominated the recent head-to-head meetings and remain the stronger side even during their recent slump. Sacramento’s long injury list and defensive struggles make this a difficult matchup for them. The Kings may keep the game competitive at home, but New Orleans should still have the edge thanks to their scoring options and past success in this matchup. Expect an entertaining and high-scoring game in Sacramento.