The Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans play Friday for the eighth Western spot. This winner faces the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
New Orleans has won all five games against these clubs this season. New Orleans defeated Kings 135-123 on April 11. Zion Williamson (hamstring) is out for Pelicans.
Tipoff is 9:30 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. SportsLine consensus has the Pelicans as 1-point favorites over the Kings.
Over/under for total points is 210.5. SportsLine's proven computer simulation model provides NBA predictions and betting tips before Kings vs. Pelicans picks.
Over the past five seasons, the SportsLine Projection Model has simulated every NBA game 10,000 times and made over $10,000 for $100 players on its best NBA choices
The algorithm has locked in its Kings vs. Pelicans picks and NBA predictions. Visit SportsLine to see the model's picks. NBA odds and betting lines for Kings vs. Pelicans
Forward Keegan Murray scores from all three levels. Murray has an effective game plan and impacts the game off-ball.
The Iowa native averages 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 35% 3-point shooting. Murray scored 32 points, nine rebounds, and eight 3-pointers in Tuesday's win over the Warriors.