On Saturday, the New Orleans Pelicans (12-39) face off against the Sacramento Kings (25-25) at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions.

Sacramento comes into this matchup on a one-game winning streak, but has dropped three of their last five games prior to their game against Portland. In a close 116-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, DeMar DeRozan was a standout performer for the Sacramento Kings, racking up 33 points. Throughout the current season, DeRozan has been the top scorer for the Kings, boasting an impressive average of 21.7 points per game. Following closely behind is Domantas Sabonis, who has been essential to the team's offense with an average of 20.6 points per game. Sabonis doesn't just contribute in scoring; he also leads the Kings in rebounding, securing an average of 14.3 rebounds per game. Additionally, he is the playmaker for the team, averaging 6.4 assists per contest. In their recent matchups, Sacramento's defense has shown some vulnerabilities, allowing opponents to score an average of 122.8 points over the last five games. This has placed them in a tie for third place in the Pacific Division standings, trailing the division leaders, the Lakers, by five games. As the Kings aim to solidify their position in the playoff race, they are striving for their second consecutive win against the New Orleans Pelicans. Overall, Sacramento maintains a competitive offensive output with an average of 116.3 points per game for the season.

New Orleans enters this game on a seven-game losing streak. In a recent 125-113 defeat against the Denver Nuggets, Trey Murphy III delivered an impressive performance for the New Orleans Pelicans by scoring 41 points. This season, Zion Williamson stands out as the leading point scorer for the Pelicans, boasting an average of 23.3 points per game. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III is closely following behind as the team's second-highest scorer with an average of 22.7 points per game. When it comes to rebounding, Yves Missi takes the lead for New Orleans, averaging 8 rebounds per game. In the playmaking department, Dejounte Murray is at the forefront, distributing an average of 7.4 assists each game. Unfortunately, the Pelicans have been struggling defensively over their last five matchups, allowing opponents to score an average of 123.2 points. This defensive lapse has contributed to their position at the bottom of the Southwest Division standings. The team is keen to break out of their current seven-game losing streak and avenge their narrow two-point loss in the previous encounter with Sacramento. On average, the Pelicans are putting up 110 points per game this season.

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