Kings vs Pelicans: Expected Line-Up for the NBA In-Season Tournament Quarterfinal Tonight For Both the Teams

Tonight’s clash between the Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans promises to be a highlight in the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament, marking the commencement of the knockout stages. For starters, the fourth round contest is set to be of the essence since it will decide upon the team that will move forward in this recently established tournament. Scheduled for December 4, it only heightens the suspense of the 75th regular-season encounter between the Kings and the Pelicans.

Expected line-ups and injury updates

Heading into the game, the Kings have Chris Duarte listed as questionable due to a sore left knee, while Alex Len joins the injury report. Coach Mike Brown will probably send out a team comprising De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, and Domantas Sabonis. However, it will be tough on the Pelicans side where Matt Ryan and Larry Nance are out with injury. It is expected that Coach Willie Green will start with the lineup of CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jonas Valanciunas.

The dynamics of these line-ups are going to define the whole storyline during the last game of the In-Season Tournament – a quarter-final match and fans are just waiting for the first whistle to watch it unfold.

The head-to-head battle

The Pelicans have had the upper hand in their head-to-head clashes; they’ve managed to secure 41 wins while the Jazz have only registered 33 wins in the matchups. Their recent encounter favors the Pelicans, winning six from the last ten games dating back to April 12, 2021. Their two face-offs earlier this season ended with the Pelicans victory, adding up to the escalating storyline. The November 20 game was a clear-cut win; however, the second game was slightly closer.

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The Kings will take into the fourth quarter encounter with a momentum of seven victories in ten games, culminating in a sensational 123-117 performance against the reigning title holders, the Denver Nuggets. Mike Brown has guided them to a record of 11:7, portraying a team on the upswing.

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However, the Pelicans face this crucial fixture on the back of defeat, having lost 124-118 to the Chicago Bulls. The Pelicans have had inconsistencies this season, with Jose Alvarado and CJ McCollum missing some games due to injuries.Who do you pick as the winning team? Let us know in the comments