There was a lot on the line Thursday night when the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings tipped off.
Both teams entered the game with their sights set on the 6-seed and a spot straight into the postseason. They’re in a three-way battle with the Phoenix Suns for the coveted spot as the two that miss out are bound for the Play-In Tournament. New Orleans held a half-game lead over the Suns prior to tipoff while the Kings needed a win to keep their hopes for the 6-seed alive.
In the end, New Orleans came out on top, 135-123, giving it a full-game lead over the Suns while eliminating the Kings from the race. However, Sacramento still has a lot at stake in its remaining two regular season games.
History shows seeding is of the utmost importance in the Play-In Tournament. Since the tournament's inception in 2021 following the abbreviated 2020 campaign, every single No. 7 seed has advanced to the playoffs. A No. 8 and No. 9 seed has advanced on three occasions each, while a No. 10 seed has never made it through. Sacramento is currently in a three-way tie with the Lakers and Warriors for the 8-10 seeds.
The Pelicans and Kings will be rooting like crazy for each other over the final two games. New Orleans ends the year against the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, who Sacramento is fighting against for seeding in the Play-In Tournament.
Meanwhile, the Kings’ next game is against the Suns. One more New Orleans win combined with a Phoenix loss secures the 6-seed for the Pelicans. However, the Suns have the tiebreaker advantage, so if they go 2-0 and New Orleans splits its remaining games, the Pelicans join Sacramento in the Play-In Tournament. New Orleans also earns the 6-seed by winning out.
