Preview: Sacramento looks to get back on track against struggling Pelicans

Mar 6, 2023, 9:44 AM | Updated: 11:54 am

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Davion Mitchell #15 of the Sacramento Kings shoots over Herbert ...

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Editor & Kings Beat Writer

The last time the Sacramento Kings faced the New Orleans Pelicans, they did so without De’Aaron Fox and suffered its worst loss of the regular season–a 136-104 defeat on February 5th at Smoothie King Center.

Not only have the Kings won eight of its past 11 games since losing to New Orleans, but they have also learned from the loss as they haven’t scored less than 109 points since scoring 104 points on 42 percent shooting from the field and 26 percent from beyond the arc during the only meeting between the two teams.

Sacramento (37-26) could be without Fox once again when they face the Pelicans (31-33) at Golden 1 Center, as the All-Star guard is currently listed as questionable due to left hamstring soreness.

Of course, New Orleans has some injuries of their own that could impact the outcome of Monday night’s action, with Zion Williamson (hamstring), Larry Nance Jr. (ankle), Jose Alvarado (tibial stress reaction), and Josh Richardson (personal) all sidelined.

With or without Fox, the Kings are in a position to prove that they can continue rebounding from tough losses as they will look to pull themselves within a half-game of the second-seed spot in the Western Conference.

Sacramento is in a position to control its destiny with a five-game cushion between itself and the seventh-seed spot as they hope to avoid the high-leverage aspect of a Play-In scenario. With just 19 games remaining, the Kings can put a 7.5-game gap between themselves and the Pelicans by winning Monday’s matchup at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game Info

When: 7:00 PM PST

Where: Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA

TV: NBC Sports California

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Pregame coverage starts at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night

Line: Kings -5.0, O/U: 237

Tickets: Click Here

Change The Course

As historically good as Sacramento’s league-leading offense has been this season, its defense continues to be the team’s Achilles heel.

Even though the Kings scored 134 points on 55 percent shooting from the field and 51 percent from three-point range on Saturday night, they lost a close game to the Minnesota Timberwolves as they were unable to string together consecutive stops.

It’s been an ugly trend from Sacramento this season, one that they will need to make adjustments to if they want to avoid similar late-game situations during this stretch run–or worse, during a potential playoff series.

Whether it be points in the paint or from beyond the arc, the Kings have struggled to lock in and get stops. Head coach Mike Brown had seen enough on Saturday, and sent forward Kessler Edwards into the game to try and make an impact on the defensive end.

Not only did Edwards hold T-Wolves star Anthony Edwards to five points during the fourth quarter, but the 22-year-old did so while pulling down three rebounds and drilling a triple over 14 minutes of playing time.

With high-scoring forward Brandon Ingram in town, Brown could look to deploy the 6’7 Edwards against the one-time All-Star.

Outside of Ingram, the Pelicans do most of their damage in the paint, scoring 54.2 points per game (6th in the NBA) in the paint this season.

Noted Kings-killer Jonas Valančiūnas (calf) is questionable for Monday’s game, but New Orleans did plenty of damage against Sacramento’s weak interior defense on February 5th thanks to 24 points from CJ McCollum, 22 points from Willy Hernangomez (all in the paint), and 17 points from Naji Marshall.

New Orleans is one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA, as the Pelicans enter play at 26th when it comes to three-point field goals and 21st in three-point field goal percentage.

During their 32-point rout of the Kings last month, the Pelicans shot a season-best 14-of-26 (54%) from beyond the arc. If Sacramento can lock in on Ingram and McCollum, they can focus on sealing off the paint and making life difficult for the New Orleans offense.

Another Opportunity For Davion?

Last season, Davion Mitchell thrived in a starting role.

Over 19 games in 2021-22, Mitchell averaged 18.0 points and 7.4 assists per game on 45 percent shooting from the field while playing 37.1 minutes per game.

This season hasn’t been as efficient for the second-year guard, as Mitchell holds averages of 8.7 points and 3.2 assists per game over six starts. When De’Aaron Fox has missed action this season, the Kings have struggled to get production out of the point guard spot.

With Fox nursing a sore hamstring, Mitchell could be in line for another starting opportunity against the Pelicans, meaning that the Baylor product will have another chance to make an impact in an increased role.

Mitchell looked solid in his most recent start on February 28th in Oklahoma City, as the 24-year-old scored 15 points on six-of-10 shooting (three-of-seven from deep) and four assists during a 123-117 win.

When Mitchell’s minutes get increased, positive results normally follow. If Fox sits out on Monday, its another opportunity for ‘Off-Night’ to show his potential as a starter.

Recent History

New Orleans has won three-straight games against the Kings, with Sacramento’s most recent win coming on November 3, 2021.
The Kings are 1-4 against the Pelicans at Golden 1 Center over the past five matchups.

Injury Report

Sacramento

De’Aaron Fox – QUESTIONABLE (left hamstring soreness)

According to a league source, Fox participated in shoot-around and wants to play on Monday, but the team will be cautious with the guard as he navigates hamstring soreness. Fox is considered questionable and will likely be a game-time decision.

Richaun Holmes – QUESTIONABLE (non-COVID illness)

New Orleans

Be sure to get all of your Kings vs. Pelicans coverage right here on Sactown Sports 1140 beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night with Scott Marsh and Henry ‘The High Flyer’ Turner before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.