New Orleans Pelicans vs Sacramento Kings Picks and Predictions February 13th 2025

Evolving Kings Search for Season Sweep of Pelicans

The Sacramento Kings are picking up momentum as the NBA All-Star break approaches, while the New Orleans Pelicans are in freefall.

For the second straight night, the two teams will face off in New Orleans on Thursday, wrapping up their pre-break schedule. Sacramento has already won three straight games, including two against the Pelicans, and will now attempt to complete a four-game season sweep.

Kings Adjusting to Roster Changes

The Kings have been busy making moves. After trading De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs last week, they added Markelle Fultz following their 119-111 win over the Pelicans on Wednesday.

Despite the roster shakeup, Sacramento’s depth has stepped up.

• Keon Ellis came off the bench to lead the Kings with 27 points.
• Malik Monk added 17 points and praised Ellis’ growth: “Keon has been doing this all year. People might be surprised, but I’m not. I see the work he’s been putting in.”
• DeMar DeRozan (24 points), Zach LaVine (23 points, 7 assists), and Domantas Sabonis (16 points, 15 rebounds) all played key roles.

Interim head coach Doug Christie believes the Kings’ chemistry is developing despite all the roster changes.

“When our organization goes out and gets more talent, that means everyone has to sacrifice,” Christie said. “It’s always going to be about us and not individuals.”

Pelicans Struggling to Find Answers

On the other side, New Orleans is on a 10-game losing streak, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Their last victory was nearly a month ago.

Zion Williamson has been one of the few bright spots, delivering dominant performances despite his injury management schedule.

• Saturday vs. Kings → Season-high 40 points
• Tuesday vs. Kings → Game-high 33 points

The big question for Thursday’s game: Will Zion play?

Williamson has not played in back-to-back games since October, and Malik Monk made it clear that Sacramento wouldn’t mind if he sat out:

Head coach Willie Green knows the frustration is growing in the Pelicans’ locker room.

“We all want to win. We put ourselves in position, but some key mistakes late in games have cost us,” Green said.

One positive for New Orleans was the impact of Jose Alvarado. The backup point guard made his third straight start, finishing with 18 points and 9 assists.

Kings on a Mission for the Sweep

Sacramento has already beaten New Orleans three times this season, and a win Thursday would cap off a dominant series sweep.

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The Kings are rising in the West, while the Pelicans are searching for answers as their season slips away.

Can Sacramento extend its winning streak, or will New Orleans finally snap out of its slump? Tip-off is set for Thursday night.