Opinion
3 min read

Can Pelicans Outshine Kings in Upcoming Smoothie King Duel?

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to host the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. The Pelicans, coming off a narrow defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 16th, where they scored 106 points to the Lakers' 110, will be looking to bounce back and assert their dominance on their home court.


SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Davion Mitchell #15 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 11, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

In that game against the Lakers, despite a loss, NOP showed resilience and offensive prowess. They managed an impressive 62 percent shooting from inside the paint and contributed a substantial 23 fast break points. However, it was their defense that seemed to falter slightly as they allowed LAL to lead for over half of the game's duration.


NOP's recent performance has been nothing short of remarkable when considering their previous games. On April 13th against Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, NOP emerged victorious with a scoreline of 114-109. Their three-point shooting was particularly lethal at an astounding rate of 53 percent from beyond the arc. This sharpshooting ability could prove pivotal in overcoming SAC's defenses.


SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 11: Herb Jones #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans arrives to the arena before the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 11, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Moreover, NOP's most recent encounter with SAC itself on April 12th showcased their offensive firepower as they racked up an impressive total of 135 points while maintaining high efficiency across all fronts – field goals (57 percent), three-pointers (55 percent), and free throws (83 percent). With such high scoring efficiency and a commanding lead throughout almost the entire game duration against SAC previously, it is clear that NOP possesses both depth and skill.


The upcoming match presents NOP with an opportunity for redemption after their last-minute stumble against LAL. The key for victory lies in maintaining defensive solidity without compromising on their aggressive offense which has seen them outscore opponents significantly in past games.


SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Naji Marshall #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Davion Mitchell #15 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 11, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

SAC is not a team to underestimate though; they have shown tenacity even in defeat as evidenced by scoring a respectable total of 123 points during their last clash with NOP despite never leading during that game. Their two-point field goal percentage stood at an impressive mark of 65 percent which indicates that if given space inside, they can capitalize efficiently.


As we look ahead towards this thrilling matchup scheduled for April 19th at Smoothie King Center starting at precisely half-past eight PM local time (8:30 PM), fans should expect nothing less than full-throttle basketball action from tip-off till final buzzer sounds off. For those unable to attend live can catch all action broadcasted on TNT or truTV networks ensuring not a single moment is missed from what promises be another chapter riveting basketball history between these two formidable teams.

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