Pelicans vs. Kings prediction: NBA In-Season Tournament odds, picks, best bets

The defending Pacific Division-champion Sacramento Kings, who made plenty of headlines last season, can make some more by ripping off three victories this week and capturing the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament title.

But first, they need to find a way to get past the New Orleans Pelicans, who have defeated Sacramento twice this season.

The Pelicans captured Group B in the Western Conference but own a middling 11-10 record.

New Orleans beat Sacramento twice as a home underdog in November, but the Pelicans have won only three road games in nine opportunities this season.

Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson combined for 57 points in New Orleans’ 129-93 rout of Sacramento on Nov. 20, while Williamson put up 25 points two nights later in a 117-112 victory over the Kings.

Sacramento is 6-2 at Golden 1 Center, which includes recent wins over the Warriors and Nuggets. The Kings have the third-best odds to win the tournament.

Kings guard De’Aaron Fox — who has the second-best odds to be the tournament MVP — averaged 36 points in group play, the most of any player remaining in the quarterfinals.

Sacramento is 6-1 to the “over” in its last seven home games, while New Orleans is 4-1 to the “under” in its past five road contests.

Betting on the NBA Draft

The Pelicans are listed as an underdog for the first time in six games. They have compiled a 3-2-1 record against the spread as a road ‘dog.

Although New Orleans has had Sacramento’s number this season, coming back to Golden 1 Center as a short favorite isn’t a high price to pay here to back the Kings.

Best bet: Kings -3 (-114, BetRivers)