Kings vs. Pelicans Preview: A battle of the back-to-backs

After closing out their four-game road trip with a loss to the Utah Jazz, the Sacramento Kings look to get back in the win column Wednesday night at home vs. the New Orleans Pelicans. This is the Kings’ first back-to-back of the young season, mirroring the Pels, who lost to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Sacramento will have hopes of repeating their 113-109 victory against New Orleans that they garnered less than a week ago, with a hopefully less-streaky closeout to the fourth quarter. However, in order to that, De’Aaron Fox will have to get back on track.

Fox has struggled offensively to start the season, practically averaging career-lows across the board. On Tuesday night against the Utah Jazz, Fox shot 4-15 from the field, including 0-4 from behind the arc, and finished the night with 13 points.

Fox has an opportunity to bounce back in tonight’s contest vs. New Orleans, a place he’s famously feasted in. Last season, Fox averaged 41 points through three contests against the Pelicans and in their most recent matchup, he poured in 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Sacramento will need all of that and more to squeak out another win against this sleeping giant.

The Pelicans remain without Zion Williamson, who, according to the team, will be unavailable for 2-3 more weeks with a reevaluation to come before he sees the court again in a 5x5 scenario. All-Star Brandon Ingram did not play in last night’s contest vs. Phoenix on account of a hip injury. Without the Pelicans powerhouses, Sacramento will need to capitalize on the ability to dominate those gaps.

Closing out this battle will be a litmus test as the Kings try to even their record eight games in.

How to Watch/Listen: NBC Sports California, Sports 1140 KHTK

Opposing Perspective: The Bird Writes

Spread: Kings -4.5

Moneyline: Kings -190, Pelicans +160

SAC injuries: N/A

NOLA injuries: Zion Williamson - Out (Foot), Daulton Hommes - Out (Fibula), Brandon Ingram - Doubtful (Hip)