New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Sacramento KingsOpen full analysis
Sacramento defeated New Orleans 117–113 on April 3 at Golden 1 Center in a closely contested matchup that fell short of the 232.5-point Vegas total. M. Raynaud led the Kings with 28 points, supported by N. Clifford's 23, while J. Fears matched Raynaud's output with 28 for the Pelicans and S. Bey added 20. Sacramento's balanced offensive execution—51.1% shooting and 10 three-pointers on 29 assists—proved decisive despite New Orleans connecting on 14 threes at 47.6% efficiency. The Kings controlled the second quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 34–36 over two quarters to build separation; New Orleans' fourth-quarter collapse (21 points) sealed the outcome after they led by five at halftime. Sacramento's defense held a 113.9 rating compared to New Orleans' 116.1, while the Pelicans' 12 steals couldn't compensate for shooting just 47.6% from the field. The four-point victory tightens playoff positioning as both teams jockey for seeding in the final weeks.
