After the two Western Conference
play-in games played on Tuesday in the NBA, the
New Orleans Pelicans and
Sacramento Kings will face each other in the final duel for the eighth playoff spot, where the winner will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Due to Zion Williamson's injury, the stars of the game will be
Brandon Ingram and
De'Aaron Fox.
The Kings will play as visitors with their morale high. Although they have two of their most important players out, Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter, the franchise managed to defeat and eliminate the Golden State Warriors, who were outplayed throughout by Sacramento, to remain in playoff contention.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, lost the opportunity to qualify for the playoffs and play against the Denver Nuggets when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in a very close game, and despite his 40 points, Zion Williamson suffered a hamstring injury in his thigh and will not be able to play in the decisive game against the Sacramento Kings.
Experts' predictions (Possible starting fives and result).
The main predictions for the play-in game have the New Orleans Pelicans slightly ahead of the Sacramento Kings for the win. However, due to Zion Williamson's injury, everything will be very even.
In addition, the potential starting fives will be as follows:
- Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III, Jonas Valanciunas.
- Kings: De'Aaron Fox, Keon Ellis, Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, Domantas Sabonis.
Schedule and TV.
The game will be played on Friday at 21:30 PM ET, and will be broadcast on TNT.
Injury Report.
- Pelicans: Zion Williamson (thigh), out. Naji Marshall (shoulder), questionable.
- Kings: Malik Monk (knee), out. Kevin Huerter (shoulder), out for the season.