Draymond Green’s prediction for Friday’s play-in game between the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans completely blew up in his face.
Green predicted that Sacramento would “easily” defeat New Orleans to clinch the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The reason Green was so confident in the Kings is because they’d play the Pelicans without Zion Williamson. The All-Star forward suffered a hamstring injury on Tuesday night against the Lakers.
“Now you got the Kings taking on the New Orleans Pelicans,” Green said. “Without Zion, I think the Kings should win that pretty easily.
“No game at that magnitude is ever easy. The Kings beat us pretty easy. So take what I said with a grain of salt, but I think the Kings go in [and win]. They have the experience.”
Despite not having Williamson at their disposal, the Pelicans dismantled the Kings at home.
“Without Zion, I think the Kings should win that pretty easily.”
Draymond gives his prediction for tonight’s Kings-Pelicans NBA Play-In game 👀 pic.twitter.com/2vdSM5MX3p
— Tristi Rodriguez (@tristi_r14) April 19, 2024
Brandon Ingram led the charge with 24 points, but he wasn’t the only starter who played well for New Orleans. Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Trey Murphy III chipped in with 16 points.
The Pelicans’ bench was the biggest X-factor on Friday night. Jose Alvarado, Larry Nance Jr. and Naji Marshall combined for 34 points.
Next up for the Pelicans is a showdown with the Thunder. Game 1 is set for this Sunday.
Green may want to refrain from counting out the Pelicans.