The Sacramento Kings are focused on positioning themselves for a strong playoff push as they head into the All-Star break. They’ll face the New Orleans Pelicans in back-to-back games in New Orleans starting Wednesday, followed by a week-long break.
Kings interim coach Doug Christie, who has led the team to a 14-8 record since taking over in late December, emphasized the importance of using the break to regroup. “A decompression needs to happen,” Christie said. “Everyone understands that this is all judged by winning. We need to win ball games and put ourselves in a really good position coming out of the All-Star break.”
Sacramento is currently in the midst of a crowded race involving eight teams vying for the final playoff and play-in spots in the Western Conference. The team recently underwent a roster overhaul, trading away star guard De’Aaron Fox and acquiring two-time All-Star guard Zach LaVine and backup center Jonas Valanciunas.
Christie experimented with playing Valanciunas alongside star big man Domantas Sabonis in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s game, resulting in a comeback and a 129-128 overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks. The Kings dominated the boards with a 50-33 rebounding advantage and an 18-5 edge in second-chance points.
Rebounding will be crucial against the Pelicans, who rank 27th in defensive rebounding and 24th in total rebounding. The Pelicans currently sit in last place in the Western Conference.
Despite their victory, Christie expressed concern over Sacramento’s 21 turnovers, which led to 36 points for Dallas. New Orleans struggled even more in their last game, committing 23 turnovers that resulted in 40 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 137-101 loss on Monday. The Thunder set a franchise record with 27 3-pointers in 55 attempts, with 11 players making at least one shot from beyond the arc.
The Pelicans have now lost nine straight games, including a 123-118 defeat to the Kings last Saturday despite an early 29-9 lead. Zion Williamson scored a season-high 40 points against Sacramento but was limited to 17 points as Trey Murphy III led the team with 23 against the Thunder.
New Orleans made a significant trade at the deadline, sending former All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, who has been sidelined since Dec. 7 with an ankle injury, to Toronto in exchange for guard Bruce Brown, center Kelly Olynyk, and two draft picks. Both Brown and Olynyk are expected to make their New Orleans debuts on Wednesday. Olynyk’s arrival is especially timely as the Pelicans traded center Daniel Theis to the Thunder last week.
As the Kings and Pelicans face off, both teams will be looking to build momentum heading into the All-Star break. Sacramento aims to solidify its playoff position, while New Orleans looks to end its losing streak and integrate its new additions.
