The New Orleans Pelicans are on the road on Friday night as they travel to take on the Sacramento Kings in a Western Conference matchup.
New Orleans enters Friday’s contest with a 25-52 record after losing on the road to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
Trey Murphy III led the way for the Pelicans in Thursday’s loss as he ended the game with 19 points, eight rebounds and two assists while Jeremiah Fears recorded 21 points and two rebounds off the bench.
Now New Orleans will try to bounce back on the road on Friday as they face off against a struggling Kings team.
On the other side, Sacramento enters Friday’s game with a 20-57 record after defeating the Toronto Raptors on the road on Wednesday night.
Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9)Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
(Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
In Wednesday’s victory over the Raptors, Precious Achiuwa led the way for the Kings as he recorded 28 points and 19 rebounds while DeMar DeRozan added 28 points and four assists of his own.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Friday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Pelicans Injury Report: Will Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray Play?
For the Pelicans, they have four players listed on their injury report, including both Murphy III and Dejounte Murray.
Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
(Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images)
New Orleans has listed Murphy III as probable and he is expected to play despite dealing with a right ankle sprain.
The Pelicans have ruled out Murray due to rest as they will elect to sit him on the second night of their back-to-back.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5)Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
(Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
With Murray sidelined, Fears and Jordan Poole could both be in line for increased roles.
Bryce McGowens has also been ruled out due to a fractured toe as he will miss his 12th straight game while Karlo Matkovic has been listed as questionable and is in danger of missing his second consecutive contest due to a back injury.
Kings Injury Report: Will Malik Monk, Russell Westbrook Play?
For the Kings, they have seven players listed on their injury report, including both Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook.
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
(Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports)
Sacramento has listed Monk as questionable due to a right shoulder contusion and he is in danger of missing his first game since March 29.
If Monk is sidelined, Daeqwon Plowden and Devin Carter could both be in line for increased roles.
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18).Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
(Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images)
The Kings have ruled out Westbrook due to a toe injury while Keegan Murray remains sidelined while recovering from an ankle sprain.
Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, De’Andre Hunter and Drew Eubanks have also been ruled out as they are all set to miss the remainder of the season.
Fans can catch Friday night’s matchup between the Pelicans and Kings from Sacramento at 10:00 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.