Two consecutive wins and we're back on the road; this time, in Sacramento. We are currently 0-1 against the Kings so far this year. With only one game remaining against them after this one, it's important that we win this; losing would mean that we definitively lose the tiebreaker with Sacramento regardless of what happens in the final game, and in a race this tight, that might mean something.
THIS GAME IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT 9:30PM CST
Here's the injury report:Injury list remains same, with three Pelicans out for Wednesday at Sacramento
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 11, 2020
Story: https://t.co/JUSjf5zyPB@MorrisBartLLC pic.twitter.com/FSiFcB7xSm
Same as last game.
Sacramento, then. How're they doing? Well, they currently have a 28-36 record, same as us. They are 7-3 over their last 10 (since All-Star break, really) and are looking to make the same playoff push that we are. Others have said that this game is a must win for the playoffs: while not mathematically true, I do think it's a vital game considering other games in the immediate future, momentum, tiebreakers, etc.
King's are 19th in ORtg, 19th in DRtg, 25th in pace, 18th in FG%, 11th in 3pt%, 27th in REBS, 22nd in ASTs, 15th in STLs, 25th in BLKs. That is to say, on the season overall they're not particularly good at anything. Over the last 10 games, this has changed; a team that was averaging 107.9ppg prior to All-Star break is now putting up 114.8ppg. 42.3rpg has become 43.4. 36.1%3pt shooting has become 38.4%. Basically, they're hot.
Unfortunately for us, that heat isn't mitigated by location. The Kings are basically as good at home as they are on the road, which means we can't rely on them being one of those teams who shows up on the road and flounders on their home turf. We're going to have to just play well.
One advantage is that, at least for this game, we won't be outcoached; Luke Walton is worse than Gentry.
It's just on the team to show up and play hard, not make stupid mistakes, and to not underestimate our opponent. Whenever we do that, we get punched in the mouth and it's never fun. Go in, take it seriously, play hard, and win.
#WBD