Quick Read
- The New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Sacramento Kings on February 9, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center.
- The Kings entered the game with a 12-game losing streak and the NBA’s worst record (12–42).
- Sacramento was severely shorthanded, missing key players like Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray due to injuries.
- The Pelicans (14–40) were healthier and favored by 9.5 points, riding momentum from a recent win.
- The Kings’ extensive injuries and poor record fueled speculation about their focus on securing a high draft pick.
NEW ORLEANS (Azat TV) – The New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Sacramento Kings on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center, in a matchup that underscored the divergent strategies of two Western Conference teams near the bottom of the standings. The game drew significant attention due to the Kings’ severely shorthanded roster and their league-worst record, which fueled widespread speculation about their intentions for the upcoming NBA draft.
The Pelicans entered the contest with a comparatively healthier roster and recent momentum, including an upset victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. In contrast, the Kings arrived in New Orleans mired in a brutal 12-game losing streak, missing several key contributors, and facing an opponent heavily favored to secure a win.
Pelicans-Kings Matchup: A Tale of Two Strategies
The encounter between the New Orleans Pelicans (14–40, 14th in the Western Conference) and the Sacramento Kings (12–42, 15th in the Western Conference) was more than just a regular-season game; it was a study in contrasting team objectives. For the Pelicans, the game represented an opportunity to build on recent success and gain momentum before the All-Star break, despite their own struggles this season. They boasted one of the healthiest rosters in the league, with only Dejounte Murray listed on their injury report, though he has been out since January 2025 with a ruptured Achilles but recently returned to practice, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
Conversely, the Kings’ approach appeared to be heavily influenced by their long-term draft strategy. With the NBA’s worst record and control over their own first-round pick, Sacramento had a significant incentive to maximize their chances of landing a top selection. This strategic positioning was exacerbated by an extensive list of injured players, making the contest against New Orleans a challenging one.
Kings’ Extensive Injury Woes and Draft Ambitions
The Sacramento Kings’ lineup for the February 9th game was significantly depleted, raising questions about their competitive intentions. Key players such as De’Andre Hunter (eye injury), Zach LaVine (finger), Malik Monk (illness), Keegan Murray (ankle), and Domantas Sabonis (back inflammation) were either ruled out or questionable, with Sabonis having already missed the previous two games. These absences meant that four of Sacramento’s top six scorers were sidelined, leaving the team to rely heavily on veterans like DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook, whose best days are considered by many to be behind them, according to DraftKings Network.
The Kings had also made a notable move at the trade deadline, offloading veteran Dennis Schroder for 3-and-D wing De’Andre Hunter from the Cavaliers, but at the cost of standout defender Keon Ellis. This move, coupled with the long injury list and the team’s abysmal record, led to strong suggestions that the Kings were not prioritizing immediate wins, but rather focusing on improving their draft lottery odds – a strategy often referred to as ‘tanking.’
Pelicans’ Momentum and Key Players
Despite their own position near the bottom of the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans entered the game with a distinct advantage in health and recent performance. The team had traded Jose Alvarado to New York at the deadline but still featured a robust lineup. Standout forward Trey Murphy III had been in exceptional form, averaging 32.3 points across his three preceding games, including a career-high 44 points and a franchise-record 12 three-pointers against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Former first overall pick Zion Williamson continued to demonstrate his dominance when healthy, coming off a 29-point performance against a strong Minnesota defense. Additionally, Saddiq Bey was averaging over 20 points per game in 2026 and recently contributed a 30-point effort. This collective firepower made the Pelicans a hefty 9.5-point home favorite against the struggling Kings, as reported by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Both Franchises
For the Pelicans, the game against the Kings was the first of two remaining matchups before the All-Star break, presenting a crucial opportunity to build a winning streak and positive momentum. With Dejounte Murray potentially making his season debut after the break, the team looked towards a healthier second half of the season.
The Kings, on the other hand, faced the first of three games against the Pelicans this season with little interest in rushing back injured players. Their focus on the draft lottery and the maximization of their chances for a top pick appears to be a defining strategy for the remainder of their challenging season. The outcome of this game, while not immediately available in full detail, was largely anticipated to reflect the significant disparity in roster health and strategic priorities between the two franchises.
The February 9th contest between the Pelicans and the Kings highlighted the intense tactical decisions NBA teams face when balancing immediate competitive aspirations with long-term roster development, particularly when draft capital becomes a paramount concern for struggling franchises.