The Kings will play host to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game with major playoff implications for both teams Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center.
The Kings (28-36) and Pelicans (28-36) are in a dead heat in the Western Conference playoff race with 18 games remaining. They are tied for ninth, four games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth seed in the West. Wednesday's game, which was moved to 7:30 p.m. to accommodate the national television broadcast by ESPN, could determine which team will go on to overtake the Grizzlies, who face a daunting schedule down the stretch.
The Portland Trail Blazers are a half-game behind the Kings and Pelicans. The San Antonio Spurs are a half-game behind the Blazers. Only one of those five teams will reach the playoffs. Here's how the race looks with five weeks remaining in the regular season ...
