Feb 9, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The bottom of the standings are starting to get a bit uncomfortable for this Kings observer. Five games separate the Kings, currently the worst team in the league, and the Pelicans, currently the 6th-worst team in the league. But this isn’t about the Pelicans, who don’t even own their first round pick this year (Atlanta must be thrilled). My concern lies with the Pacers, Nets, Wizards, and Jazz – the bad teams currently sandwiched between the Kings and Pelicans – who are all riding lengthy losing streaks.
The tank must proceed without resistance, and the Pelicans are bad enough to lose tonight.
**Who**: Sacramento Kings (14-49) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (19-44)
**Where**: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
**When**: 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET
**Watch**: NBCSCA / League Pass
The Pelicans, as we established earlier, have no reason to tank. In some ways, that makes their 19-44 record terrifying. This is a bad, albeit significantly more talented, basketball team. The Kings are at home, a potentially dangerous equalizer between two cellar dwellers. But if there is one thing I believe in, it is this organizations’ ability to lose games. You got this, boys.
**Prediction**: Kings 118, Pelicans 106.