CJ McCollum and Domantas Sabonis are averaging over 20 points for today’s game.

The most interesting NBA game on Thursday features two teams that are not in the race for the playoffs and not even in the first round for a spot in the play-in tournament. The Kings and Pelicans are both 25 games into their seasons and both could be facing a fork in the road this season (and perhaps in the direction of both franchises).

Here are five key tips for Kings vs. Pelicans tonight on NBA League Pass (8pm ET)

1. Were the kings unlucky?: Sacramento is 12-13 but is within a stone’s throw of a playoff berth. Even reaching sixth place this early in the season would be difficult. The postseason is certainly the goal, and the play-in is a path to get there. The Kings can take comfort in knowing that their play was arguably better than their record. Sacramento has a plus-3.2 point lead, which is the seventh-best mark in the Western Conference.
2. New Orleans struggles: Things are going uphill in front of the pelicans. After a 1-9 run, they are 5-20. Additionally, New Orleans has a difference of minus 11.7 points. The only team left behind is the completely rebuilding Wizards, which means the Pelicans will have to ask themselves some tough questions.
3. Injuries affecting the Pelicans: New Orleans has injuries impacting its record. Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum And Trey Murphy have all missed time, and even though everyone is healthy now, the Pelicans simply can’t put together their projected lineup. Zion Williamson And Brandon Ingram Both are out and neither is about to return.
4. What’s the plan for New Orleans?: The Pelicans already have a rookie center spot filled Yves Missi He was a starter and posted 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. It makes sense to play a young man in a season that has faltered, but who else will emerge?
5. DeRozan’s fit in Sacramento: De’Aaron Fox And Domantas Sabonis do their thing for the Kings, but the team added DeMar DeRozan in the offseason hoping he would help them reach new heights. DeRozan has taken on a smaller, go-to role with the Bulls, despite scoring 22.5 points per game. He also has three 25-point games in his last six appearances.