Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Predictions, Picks and NBA Preview – January 28, 2016

The Sacramento Kings have turned plenty of heads this season, being contention for the playoffs thanks in large part to DeMarcus Cousins. The New Orleans Pelicans were expected to be in the Kings’ spot. But injuries and inconsistent play have them at 12th in the Western Conference Standings. They may even miss their best player, big man Anthony Davis.

It’s going to be an electric clash between Cousins’ Kings and the Pelicans. Read on as we take a look at the big hoops action to come. If you’re hungry for more NBA, then check out our complete previews for the Knicks vs. Raptors and Hawks vs. Pacers.

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Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans

When: Thursday, January 28, 8:00 PM ET

Line: Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans – view all NBA lines

Betting on the Sacramento Kings (20-25)

DeMarcus Cousins is close to unstoppable. He leads the league with 34.4 points per game this month. Included in his big games are scoring 48 against Indiana and setting a franchise-record 56 points against Charlotte on Monday. But the All-Star big man seemingly cooled off in the latest outing on Tuesday, scoring just 17 points on 4 of 21 shooting in a 112-95 loss at Portland.

Cousins could have bounce back in a big way against New Orleans. He scored 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in his first game against the Pelicans this season. He may even have a bigger game this time around with Pelicans big man Anthony Davis doubtful to play due to a concussion. If Davis can’t play, then there may not be a player big and strong enough to contain Cousins.

Of course you can also thank point guard Rajon Rondo for Cousins’ success. He’s been absolutely brilliant running the Kings’ offense. Rondo has at least 10 assists in his last eight games. He leads the NBA by a wide margin with 11.8 assists per game, currently a career-high. He finished with a double-double in his first outing against New Orleans, scoring 17 and dishing out 10 assists in a 109-97 home loss on January 13.

The Kings are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 on the road.

Betting on the New Orleans Pelicans (16-28)

The New Orleans Pelicans are in trouble. Star power forward Anthony Davis may miss some time due to a concussion. He leads the team with 22.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. The Pelicans have lost all five games that Davis has missed this season.

While Davis may miss time, Ryan Anderson could plug in that hole nicely. Anderson has 45 points over the last two games. He scored 22 points and had nine rebounds in a 112-111 home loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday. He gives the Pelicans plenty of range, considering he’s 9 of 17 from downtown in his last two contests.

Jrue Holiday could also step up big-time. He had a season-high 32 points, nine rebounds and three steals Monday. He could have another big day against the league’s worst defense; the Kings are allowing 107.8 points per game.

Holiday is averaging 5.2 assists per game this season. He’ll need his playmaking at its best with all the injuries to the Pelicans’ stars. Eric Gordon is set to miss time due to surgery on his finger, while Tyreke Evans is questionable due to a knee injury.

The Pelicans are 1-3 SU/ATS in their last four home games against Sacramento.

Writer’s Prediction

The Kings take one more step to playoff contention with a big win over New Orleans.

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