The New Orleans Pelicans are hopeful to have their new acquisitions, Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk, in uniform as they continue their four-game road trip with a visit to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
Pelicans’ Situation:
The Pelicans recently acquired Brown and Olynyk, along with two draft picks, from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram at this week’s trade deadline. New Orleans is currently on a seven-game losing streak, including two losses in Denver on Monday and Wednesday. Ingram did not play in those games, and the trade was finalized on Thursday.
While there was speculation that Brown and Olynyk might be redirected elsewhere, reports on Friday confirmed that the Pelicans do not intend to pursue a buyout for Brown, who is in the final year of his contract.
Brown and Olynyk will look to make an impact similar to that of Trey Murphy III, who has thrived with additional playing time during Ingram’s 27-game absence since December 8. Murphy has averaged 24.1 points over that span, shooting 50.1 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from beyond the arc. Murphy scored 21 points in the Pelicans’ narrow 111-109 home loss to the Kings in their only previous meeting this season on December 12.
Murphy’s performance has impressed star teammate Zion Williamson, and the Pelicans are optimistic about their new-look lineup’s potential.
Kings’ Situation:
The Kings have also made significant moves, acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. LaVine’s performance improved from 13 points in his Kings home debut on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic to 22 points the following night in Portland. However, Sacramento, fighting to retain a play-in position in the Western Conference, lost both games.
The Kings recognize the importance of games like the Pelicans’ visit as they battle for playoff positioning. Sacramento’s roster now includes other new additions, such as Jonas Valanciunas, who debuted with six points and five rebounds off the bench in Portland, and Jake LaRavia, who is expected to join the team in time for Saturday’s game.
With 31 games remaining, the Kings are currently tied for the final play-in spot in the West, just three losses behind the sixth position, which guarantees an automatic playoff berth.
Key Players:
- Pelicans: Trey Murphy III, Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, Zion Williamson
- Kings: Zach LaVine, Jonas Valanciunas, Jake LaRavia
