It would require a pair of wins next week to turn it into a full-fledged Western Conference playoff berth, but New Orleans (34-44) can ensure that it will compete beyond the 82-game regular season by winning Tuesday at Sacramento (9 p.m., Bally Sports, 100.3 FM). A win in any of the ninth-place Pelicans’ four remaining games will clinch a play-in tournament berth, but they’d prefer to get that out of the way as soon as possible, while increasing or maintaining a one-game lead over No. 10 San Antonio (33-45). Simply beating the Kings on Tuesday – or if the Lakers lose Tuesday in Phoenix – will guarantee New Orleans qualifies for the NBA postseason for the first time since 2018.
Pelicans shootaround update: New Orleans can seal first trip to postseason since 2018 with win in Sacramento
