Kings @ Pelicans - Sunday's Preview, pick and props

The Pelicans host the Kings on Sunday night less than 24 hours after they beat the Lakers on Friday, snapping a 10-game losing streak. 

Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 35 points on 15-of-28 shooting to go along with five rebounds and four assists in Saturday’s 131-126 win over the Lakers. C.J. McCollum added 23 points and seven assists, missing his points over by just .5, Trey Murphy had 21 points and four 3-pointers, and Jonas Valanciunas and Jose Alvarado both came through with 18 points. Valanciunas added 14 rebounds and Alvarado did his damage in just 24 minutes. If we knew he was going to get at least 20 minutes every night Alvarado would become a must-have in fantasy, but he only saw 14 minutes in each of his previous two games. 

Unfortunately for the Pelicans, Valanciunas is listed as doubtful with quad soreness and Ingram has already been ruled out for injury management. Larry Nance should see the biggest boost in value due to the absence of Valanciunas, while Jaxson Hayes and Willy Hernangomez should also get a boost. Ingram’s absence will mean more minutes for guys like Alvarado, Kira Lewis and Devonte’ Graham, and we like Alvarado after last night’s success. 

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The Kings get a break with Ingram and JV out tonight but it will be somewhat offset due to De’Aaron Fox being out again for personal reasons. Davion Mitchell should get another start at the point but he’s been horrendous as a starter this season and hit just 1-of-5 shots for three points in 22 minutes in a start against the Pacers on Friday. Malik Monk played 28 minutes in that game and had 12 points, five rebounds, five dimes and one 3-pointer off the bench.

Harrison Barnes led the way in that one with 23 points, five rebounds and three triples, Kevin Huerter scored 16 and Domantas Sabonis and Terence Davis each scored 15. Sabonis also had 16 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block in the loss to Indy, and has scored fewer than 20 points in eight of his last 10 games. Davis drained three 3-pointers and had a steal and a block in his productive 18 minutes.

This will be the first meeting of the season between these two teams and top performing Oddscrowd bettor Rawluciano likes the Pelicans moneyline. And even though the Pelicans ruined our Lakers pick on Saturday, we’re going against them again. New Orleans is missing two of their best players, are playing in a back-to-back and the Kings are very good this season - with or without Fox. 

Pick: Kings -1

Prop 1: Domantas Sabonis Under 21.5 points

Prop 2: Harrison Barnes Over 16.5 points

Prop 3: C.J. McCollum Under 24.5 points