Pelicans can clinch play-in berth when they visit Kings

The New Orleans Pelicans can clinch a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament when they visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.

The Pelicans (34-44), who can finish no higher than ninth in the Western standings, enter play Tuesday in ninth place, one game up on the San Antonio Spurs (33-45) and three ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers (31-47) with four to play.

A New Orleans win at Sacramento, or a Lakers lo