Kings vs Pelicans

Grade B: Pelicans +7.5 (-105)

The Beam Team enters this matchup with a clear edge in talent, but covering a -7.5 spread (-111) against a scrappy Pelicans squad isn’t a given. Sacramento has been inconsistent in closing out weaker opponents, while New Orleans—despite being in a four-game skid—has kept recent games within striking distance. The Pels will again be without Zion Williamson, but CJ McCollum has historically stepped up against the Kings, averaging over 22 points per game in their last five meetings. Meanwhile, Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis will have a significant advantage in the paint, especially with Jonas Valančiūnas dealing with a sore ankle. The Kings need wins to hold their playoff position, but with New Orleans playing freely as a lottery-bound squad, a backdoor cover is in play. Taking Pelicans +7.5 (-101) is a B-grade bet—good value in a game where Sacramento wins but doesn’t dominate wire to wire.

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