Gear up for a cold Thursday night game as the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Sacramento Kings. Personally, I think this is going to be a weird one. Just 15 days ago the Pelicans defeated the Kings, in Sacramento 109-97, and this game looks like it will resemble very little from their first matchup.

Big things first: Injuries. Anthony Davis is DOUBTFUL. Tyreke Evans is QUESTIONABLE. But if I had to guess, Evans will play tonight, potentially with limited minutes.

This will most likely thrust Ryan Anderson into the starting lineup. This could actually be a good change as often the starting lineup struggles to score at times with both Anderson and Jrue Holiday coming off the bench.Anderson has been scortching with Davis in the pick and roll, but with another weapon off the court it’ll be interesting to see if he can score like he has been.

Pace is going to be a huge factor tonight. George Karl coaches the Kings so you know they want to play fast. In fact, they lead the NBA in pace. The Pelicans, while playing faster than they ever did under Monty Williams, are ranked 12th. The win against the Kings two weeks ago was played right at the Pelicans pace. Against a more depleted Pelicans team, I expect the Kings to try and dictate their style of play tonight. Alvin Gentry’s plan was always to play with a fast pace. Hopefully the team will be ready for it tonight.