Pelicans Secure Victory Over Kings at Home
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center
New Orleans Pelicans 132, Sacramento Kings 120, 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 Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans beat Sacramento Kings 132-120 at Smoothie King Center on October 29, 2026.
Who was favored in Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
The New Orleans Pelicans triumphed over the Sacramento Kings with a final score of 132-120 at the Smoothie King Center. This victory marked the Pelicans' second consecutive win against the Kings in their recent meetings, improving their series lead to 2-1 for the 2026 season. The Pelicans, despite their struggles this season, showcased a strong offensive performance, scoring 132 points against a Kings team that has yet to secure a win this season, now sitting at 0-5.
In terms of recent form, the Pelicans had a record of 1-4 prior to this game, with a troubling streak of six consecutive losses leading into their matchup against the Kings. Their scoring average over the last ten games was 119.2 points, while they allowed an average of 124.8 points per game. Notably, their last five games had seen them score an average of 118.2 points but concede 124.0 points, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
The Kings, on the other hand, entered this game with a record of 0-5, having lost their last five games. Their average scoring over the last ten games was 111.9 points, with an average of 121.8 points allowed. Their recent form has been concerning, particularly on the road, where they have struggled with a record of 1-4 away from home.
In terms of injuries, the Pelicans were missing key players including Dejounte Murray (personal), Jordan Poole (ankle), and Yves Missi (knee). The Kings also faced significant absences with Dylan Cardwell (calf), Maxime Raynaud (knee), Keegan Murray (ankle), and Ben Simmons (Achilles) all out for the game. These injuries undoubtedly impacted both teams' depth and performance on the court.
The betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated that the Pelicans were favored to win by 6.5 points, with a total points line set at 234.5. The odds reflected a belief that the Pelicans would leverage their home-court advantage effectively, which they did in this matchup.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams eager to break their losing streaks. The Pelicans capitalized on their home advantage, where they had a record of 1-3 prior to this game, while the Kings struggled significantly on the road.
As the game progressed, the Pelicans' offense was led by standout performances in the fourth quarter, where they managed to pull away from the Kings. Key scoring plays included a 2-foot running dunk by Zion Williamson and a 25-foot three-point jumper by Zach LaVine, which helped maintain their lead as the game wound down. Karlo Matkovic also contributed significantly with a 2-foot alley-oop dunk, showcasing the Pelicans' ability to finish strong.
Overall, the Pelicans' victory not only provided a much-needed boost in morale but also highlighted their offensive capabilities, despite their earlier struggles this season. The Kings, still searching for their first win, will need to reassess their strategy and performance as they continue through the early part of the season.
What we said beforehand
Both the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings are entering their matchup at the Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2026, looking for their first victory of the season, as both teams currently hold records of 0-4. This game presents an opportunity for one of these struggling teams to break free from their winless start and gain some momentum moving forward.
The Pelicans have had a challenging start, with their last five games resulting in four losses. Their most recent outing was a defeat against the Denver Nuggets, where they lost 104-91. In their last five games, they have averaged 114.4 points while allowing 123.6 points per game. Their home record stands at 0-3 this season, contributing to a broader trend of struggling at home, where they have a 1-9 record over their last ten games, including a six-game losing streak. Notably, Zion Williamson has been a standout player, leading the team with an average of 21.8 points per game.
Similarly, the Kings have also faced difficulties, losing their last five games, including a recent 130-103 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. Over their last five games, they have scored an average of 108.2 points while allowing 124.8 points. The Kings have a home record of 1-4 and an away record of 0-4 this season, which reflects their struggles on the road. Zach LaVine has been the Kings' leading scorer, averaging 27.2 points per game, while Domantas Sabonis contributes significantly with averages of 7.2 assists and 16.5 rebounds.
In terms of head-to-head matchups this season, the Pelicans hold a slight advantage with a 2-1 record against the Kings. Their last meeting was on April 4, 2026, where the Pelicans lost 113-117 in Sacramento. Earlier in the season, the Pelicans secured a convincing 120-94 victory at home against the Kings on February 10, 2026, which may provide them with some confidence heading into this matchup.
Injuries could play a significant role in the outcome of this game. The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray (personal reasons), Jordan Poole (ankle), and Yves Missi (knee). The Kings are also dealing with injuries, missing Dylan Cardwell (calf), Maxime Raynaud (knee), Keegan Murray (ankle), and Ben Simmons (Achilles). The absence of key players on both sides may impact their overall performance and depth during the game.
The betting market reflects the current sentiment surrounding this matchup, with DraftKings listing the Pelicans as 6.5-point favorites. The total for the game is set at 234.5 points, with odds of -112.0 for the over and -108.0 for the under. The moneyline shows the Pelicans at -238.0 and the Kings at 195.0.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how both teams adapt to their injury situations and whether the Pelicans can leverage their home-court advantage to secure their first win of the season. The performance of key players like Zion Williamson for the Pelicans and Zach LaVine for the Kings will be critical in determining the outcome.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NO -6.5 | 234.5 o -112 / u -108 | Sacramento Kings +195 · New Orleans Pelicans -238 |
Injury report
- Dejounte MurrayOutPersonalNew Orleans Pelicans
- Jordan PooleOutAnkleNew Orleans Pelicans
- Yves MissiOutKneeNew Orleans Pelicans
- Dylan CardwellOutCalfSacramento Kings
- Maxime RaynaudOutKneeSacramento Kings
- Keegan MurrayOutAnkleSacramento Kings
- Ben SimmonsOutAchillesSacramento Kings
Leaders
- PointsJeremiah Fears22New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsJeremiah Fears13New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsJeremiah Fears8New Orleans Pelicans
- PointsDarius Acuff Jr.34Sacramento Kings
- AssistsDarius Acuff Jr.13Sacramento Kings
- ReboundsDomantas Sabonis15Sacramento Kings
Recent form
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 1-9Streak L6119.2 scored · 124.8 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L91-104vs Denver NuggetsOct 29
- L135-141at Denver NuggetsOct 25
- L119-120at Utah JazzOct 24
- L120-123vs Indiana PacersOct 22
- L126-132at Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 13
- L118-144at Boston CelticsApr 10
- W156-137vs Utah JazzApr 8
- L108-112vs Orlando MagicApr 5
- L113-117at Sacramento KingsApr 4
- L106-118at Portland Trail BlazersApr 3
Sacramento Kings
Last 10: 3-7Streak L5111.9 scored · 121.8 allowed per game1-4 away
- L103-130at San Antonio SpursOct 28
- L112-123vs Memphis GrizzliesOct 26
- L120-128vs Portland Trail BlazersOct 24
- L96-121at LA ClippersOct 22
- L110-122at Portland Trail BlazersApr 13
- W124-118vs Golden State WarriorsApr 11
- L105-110at Golden State WarriorsApr 8
- L109-138vs LA ClippersApr 6
- W117-113vs New Orleans PelicansApr 4
- W123-115at Toronto RaptorsApr 2
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 1 | W1 | .800 | 4 |
| Golden State | 2 | 3 | W2 | .400 | 2 |
| Phoenix | 2 | 2 | L1 | .333 | 1 |
| LA Clippers | 2.5 | 3 | L3 | .250 | 1 |
| Sacramento | 4 | 5 | L5 | .000 | 0 |
| Houston | - | 0 | W5 | 1.000 | 5 |
| Memphis | 0.5 | 0 | W4 | 1.000 | 4 |
| San Antonio | 2 | 2 | W3 | .600 | 3 |
| Dallas | 2 | 2 | W2 | .600 | 3 |
| New Orleans | 4 | 4 | W1 | .200 | 1 |
Box score
| Stat | Sacramento Kings | New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 46-88 | 50-84 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 60 |
| Three-pointers | 12-37 | 10-29 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 34 |
| Free throws | 16-20 | 22-32 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 33 |
| Assists | 30 | 32 |
| Steals | 12 | 18 |
| Blocks | 2 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 25 | 21 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 40 | 29 |
| Fast-break points | 29 | 34 |
| Points in the paint | 62 | 80 |
| Fouls | 22 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 23 | 74 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter82-98Bennedict Mathurin makes alley oop layup (Derik Queen assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-98De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter84-98De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter86-98Precious Achiuwa makes 2-foot two point shot (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-100Herbert Jones makes 1-foot dunk (Saddiq Bey assists)
- 3rd Quarter88-100Darius Acuff Jr. makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter88-102Saddiq Bey makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter91-102Alex Karaban makes 27-foot three point jumper (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter91-104Saddiq Bey makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter93-104Precious Achiuwa makes running layup (Zach LaVine assists)
- 4th Quarter93-106Derik Queen makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter93-108Trendon Watford makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter96-108Darius Acuff Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Zach LaVine assists)
- 4th Quarter99-108Alex Karaban makes 25-foot running jump shot (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter99-110Herbert Jones makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter99-111Herbert Jones makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter101-111Precious Achiuwa makes 1-foot layup (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter102-111Darius Acuff Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-111Darius Acuff Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-112Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-113Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-113Zach LaVine makes 25-foot three point jumper (Domantas Sabonis assists)
- 4th Quarter106-115Zion Williamson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-117Karlo Matkovic makes 3-foot dunk (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter106-119Jeremiah Fears makes 8-foot pullup jump shot (Bryce McGowens assists)
- 4th Quarter106-121Jeremiah Fears makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-123Bryce McGowens makes 2-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter107-123De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-123De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-123Precious Achiuwa makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter110-125Zion Williamson makes driving layup (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter111-125Zach LaVine makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-125Precious Achiuwa makes 1-foot driving dunk (Zach LaVine assists)
- 4th Quarter115-125Zach LaVine makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter117-125Domantas Sabonis makes 1-foot layup (Precious Achiuwa assists)
- 4th Quarter117-127Karlo Matkovic makes driving layup (Jeremiah Fears assists)
- 4th Quarter117-129Zion Williamson makes 2-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter120-129Zach LaVine makes 25-foot three point jumper (Darius Acuff Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter120-130Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter120-132Karlo Matkovic makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Jeremiah Fears assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Sacramento Kings.
Venue
- Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
- Attendance15442
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Gediminas Petraitis, Chelisa Painter
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- Kings Edge Pelicans in Close ContestApr 3, 2026
- Pelicans Edge Kings in High-Scoring ContestMar 5, 2026
- Pelicans Dominate Kings in Convincing VictoryFeb 9, 2026