Two winless teams go at it tonight, with the Pelicans priced as a 5.5-point home favorite against the Kings, and my Kings vs. Pelicans prediction is for New Orleans to take advantage of Sacramento's vulnerabilities inside.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at the Smoothie King Center. Find out more in my NBA picks for Thursday, Oct. 29.
TOP PICK
Kings vs Pelicans prediction: Pelicans -5.5
Play up to 56%.
The New Orleans Pelicans are still searching for their first win, but this is a good spot to get it against the Sacramento Kings.
Both teams are 0-4, yet the results tell very different stories. New Orleans has lost by an average of 5.8 points, compared to 17.8 for Sacramento. The Kings also rank 29th in defensive rating and dead last in blocks, which should give Zion Williamson plenty of opportunities to attack the paint.
Sacramento is shorthanded up front without Keegan Murray and two reserve big men, making that matchup even tougher. The Pelicans are on a back-to-back, which isn't ideal, but they've been far more competitive through four games.
I'll gladly back New Orleans to cover at 48%.
COVERS INTEL: Opponents are shooting an alarming 77.9% in the restricted area against Sacramento this season, tied for the second-worst mark in the NBA. That's a nightmare matchup against Williamson, who thrives getting downhill.
Kings vs Pelicans combo
I'm also leaning Under 236.5 points here. Sacramento is averaging just 107.8 ppg, while New Orleans managed only 91 points against the Nuggets on Wednesday. The Pelicans are playing on the second night of a back-to-back, and fatigue could affect their offensive efficiency. I expect a relatively low-scoring affair.
Dejounte Murray has been New Orleans' top facilitator, averaging 6.3 dimes per night. We're getting 5.5 at Poly, which offers value as part of this combo. Murray has cashed the Over in three of his four appearances this season, and the Kings are allowing the fourth-most assists per game.
Kings vs Pelicans combo
- Pelicans -5.5
- Under 236.5
- Dejounte Murray Over 5.5 assists
Kings vs Pelicans player props
Kings player prop: Domantas Sabonis Over 13.5 rebounds
Play up to 62%.
The Kings may be struggling, but Domantas Sabonis continues to dominate on the boards. The big man is averaging 16.5 rebounds per night, and he's cleared this line in four straight contests.
Sabonis snatched 14 boards in Wednesday's loss to the Spurs, and he had another 15 rebounds a couple of days prior against the Grizzlies. The Pelicans have been respectable on the glass, but they're still allowing 15.4 boards per game to opposing centers, and most notably, they're 22nd in defensive rebounds allowed.
That matters because a large chunk of Sabonis's rebounds are defensive boards. He'll make his presence felt on the glass, and I like the Over at 57%.
Pelicans player prop: Zion Williamson Over 19.5 points
Play up to 65%.
As I discussed, this is a matchup for Williamson to thrive. He's averaging 20.7 ppg this season, and the big man has cashed the Over in three of four outings.
Despite the loss to Denver, Williamson still showed out for 25, and he now faces one of the worst defensive teams in the league, which is sorely lacking key interior pieces.
You can also get 24.5 at Poly, but I'm much more comfortable with Zion dropping 20+ at 61%. He'll have the ball in his hands a lot as the Pels look to attack. He'll be key in New Orleans securing a win.
- Top picks: 3-3, -1.31 units
- Combos: 0-5, -5.00 units
Kings vs Pelicans odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Kings +6.5 | Pelicans -6.5
- Over/Under: Over 236.5 | Under 236.5
- Moneyline: Kings 34% | Pelicans 67%
For the full slate of NBA matchups, check out our NBA odds board!
Kings vs Pelicans trend
The Pelicans are 7-0 ATS in their last seven home games against losing teams. Find more NBA betting trends.
How to watch Kings vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, La. |
| Date | Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 |
| Tip off | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBCS-California, Pelicans+ |
Kings vs Pelicans latest injuries
Check out our NBA injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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