Kings Edge Pelicans in Close Contest
Friday, April 3, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Golden 1 Center
Sacramento Kings 117, New Orleans Pelicans 113, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won New Orleans Pelicans vs Sacramento Kings?
Sacramento Kings beat New Orleans Pelicans 117-113 at Golden 1 Center on April 3, 2026.
Who was favored in New Orleans Pelicans vs Sacramento Kings?
New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Golden 1 Center, the Sacramento Kings narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 117-113. This game was particularly significant as it marked the third meeting between the two teams this season, with New Orleans having won the previous two encounters, thus Sacramento's victory allowed them to finish the series at 2-1 in favor of the Pelicans.
Both teams entered the game with challenging recent form. The Kings had a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, with an average of 112.4 points scored per game and 122.2 points allowed. They were on a one-game winning streak, having won their last game against the Toronto Raptors 123-115 on April 2. However, Sacramento had struggled in their last five games, posting a record of 1-4 and averaging 108.4 points while allowing 121.8 points.
On the other hand, the Pelicans had a record of 3-7 in their last ten games and were on a six-game losing streak heading into this contest. They averaged 110.7 points scored and 115.8 points allowed during that stretch. Their most recent game resulted in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, where they fell 106-118 on April 3.
The Kings had a home record of 21-57 this season, while the Pelicans had a slightly better away record of 25-53. This game was crucial for both teams as they looked to improve their standings, especially with the playoffs approaching.
In terms of injuries, Sacramento was dealing with several key players listed as day-to-day, including Domantas Sabonis (knee), Keegan Murray (ankle), Zach LaVine (hand), and De'Andre Hunter (eye). The Pelicans also had players on the injury report, with Micah Peavy (rest) and Bryce McGowens (toe) both listed as day-to-day. The absence or limited availability of these players could have impacted the strategies employed by both teams during the game.
The betting market reflected a competitive matchup, with DraftKings setting the spread at 6.5 points in favor of New Orleans and a total over/under of 232.5 points. The moneyline odds were +200 for the Kings and -245 for the Pelicans, indicating that the Pelicans were favored to win.
The game itself was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the four quarters. As the fourth quarter progressed, the score remained close, with significant plays from both sides. Notably, Daeqwon Plowden made crucial free throws, while Zion Williamson contributed with a driving layup to keep the Pelicans within striking distance. However, Maxime Raynaud's performance, including a driving layup and free throws, helped secure the Kings' lead.
The conditions in the arena were conducive to an exciting game, with both teams displaying high energy and competitive spirit. Viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination as the Kings fought to defend their home court.
Ultimately, Sacramento's ability to execute in the clutch moments and capitalize on the Pelicans' struggles allowed them to emerge victorious. The game highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA, where every matchup can shift the dynamics of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NO -6.5 | 232.5 o -110 / u -110 | New Orleans Pelicans -245 · Sacramento Kings +200 |
Injury report
- Domantas SabonisDay-To-DayKneeSacramento Kings
- Keegan MurrayDay-To-DayAnkleSacramento Kings
- Zach LaVineDay-To-DayHandSacramento Kings
- De'Andre HunterDay-To-DayEyeSacramento Kings
- Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
- Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
Leaders
- PointsMaxime Raynaud28Sacramento Kings
- AssistsNique Clifford6Sacramento Kings
- ReboundsMaxime Raynaud9Sacramento Kings
- PointsJeremiah Fears28New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsJeremiah Fears6New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsJeremiah Fears8New Orleans Pelicans
Recent form
Sacramento Kings
Last 10: 4-6Streak W1112.4 scored · 122.2 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W123-115at Toronto RaptorsApr 2
- L99-116at Brooklyn NetsMar 29
- L113-123at Atlanta HawksMar 28
- L117-121at Orlando MagicMar 26
- L90-134at Charlotte HornetsMar 24
- W126-122vs Brooklyn NetsMar 22
- L118-139vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 20
- L104-132vs San Antonio SpursMar 18
- W116-111vs Utah JazzMar 16
- W118-109at LA ClippersMar 15
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 3-7Streak L6110.7 scored · 115.8 allowed per game0-5 away
- L106-118at Portland Trail BlazersApr 3
- L102-134vs Houston RocketsMar 29
- L106-119at Toronto RaptorsMar 28
- L108-129at Detroit PistonsMar 26
- L116-121at New York KnicksMar 24
- L106-111vs Cleveland CavaliersMar 21
- W105-99vs LA ClippersMar 20
- W124-109vs LA ClippersMar 19
- W129-111vs Dallas MavericksMar 17
- L105-107at Houston RocketsMar 14
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | New Orleans Pelicans | Sacramento Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-84 | 46-90 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 14-34 | 10-33 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 30 |
| Free throws | 19-21 | 15-20 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 34 |
| Assists | 24 | 29 |
| Steals | 12 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 26 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 62 |
| Fouls | 18 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 87 | 7 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter81-75Precious Achiuwa makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter81-77Precious Achiuwa makes driving layup (Doug McDermott assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-77Saddiq Bey makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter83-79Daeqwon Plowden makes 6-foot layup (Killian Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-79Saddiq Bey makes 16-foot jumper
- 3rd Quarter86-79Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter87-79Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter87-82Nique Clifford makes 23-foot three point jumper (Killian Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter89-82Saddiq Bey makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter89-85Nique Clifford makes 26-foot running jump shot (Killian Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter92-85Jordan Hawkins makes 22-foot three point step back jumpshot (Micah Peavy assists)
- 4th Quarter92-87DeMar DeRozan makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-89DeMar DeRozan makes 13-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter92-92Devin Carter makes 29-foot three point jumper (Doug McDermott assists)
- 4th Quarter94-92Trey Murphy III makes 6-foot dunk (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter97-92Micah Peavy makes 27-foot three point jumper (Derik Queen assists)
- 4th Quarter97-94Nique Clifford makes 14-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter97-96Devin Carter makes running layup (DeMar DeRozan assists)
- 4th Quarter99-96Derik Queen makes driving layup (Trey Murphy III assists)
- 4th Quarter102-96Jeremiah Fears makes 26-foot three point jumper (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 4th Quarter102-98Nique Clifford makes 4-foot floating jump shot (Dylan Cardwell assists)
- 4th Quarter104-98Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter105-98Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter105-101Daeqwon Plowden makes 31-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter106-101Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-101Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-103Maxime Raynaud makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter107-105Maxime Raynaud makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter107-107Maxime Raynaud makes 12-foot floating jump shot (Nique Clifford assists)
- 4th Quarter109-107Jeremiah Fears makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter109-109Nique Clifford makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter109-110Daeqwon Plowden makes free throw flagrant 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter109-111Daeqwon Plowden makes free throw flagrant 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter109-112Daeqwon Plowden makes free throw flagrant 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter111-112Zion Williamson makes driving layup (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter111-114Maxime Raynaud makes driving layup (Devin Carter assists)
- 4th Quarter113-114Saddiq Bey makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter113-115Maxime Raynaud makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-116Nique Clifford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-117Devin Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Sacramento Kings, below favours New Orleans Pelicans.
Venue
- Golden 1 CenterSacramento, CA
- Attendance15422
- OfficialsCourtney Kirkland, Suyash Mehta, Robert Hussey
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- Pelicans Secure Victory Over Kings at HomeOct 29, 2026
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