Kings Face Must-Win Matchup Against Struggling Hornets

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings are .500 on the season as they prepare for a critical matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. Currently holding the final play-in tournament spot in the Western Conference, the Kings face a desperate need for a win following a blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday.

The Kings were overshadowed by the Warriors, one of the teams they are competing against for playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Hornets experienced an even harsher defeat on Saturday, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers by 53 points.

The Hornets now enter Monday’s game without key players Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, and Mark Williams, putting LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges in a challenging situation. Both players will need to step up to keep the struggling team competitive.

In the absence of Mark Williams, who provides significant presence in the paint, the Hornets will rely on Miles Bridges to contribute defensively and on the boards. This season, Bridges averages 7.7 rebounds per game and has recorded at least seven rebounds in 10 of his last 14 games, averaging 8.4 rebounds during this stretch.

For the Kings, Domantas Sabonis presents a favorable matchup against a beleaguered Hornets defense that ranks 17th in the league in opponent assists per game. Sabonis is currently averaging 6.3 assists per game and has exceeded 5.5 assists in 13 of his 23 contests since January 1, showing consistent offensive production. Over this period, he boasts an average of 6.5 assists per game.

Although the Kings have had a rocky start in 2023, winning only four of their last ten games, they are positioned as favorites in this matchup against a Hornets team that has struggled significantly this season. Charlotte currently ranks last in the NBA in net rating (-12.2), offensive rating (104.1), and effective field goal percentage (47.9%). They also rank 19th in defensive rating.

As the Hornets continue to struggle without their key players, the Kings, despite their inconsistencies, are perceived as the better team entering this game. While the playoff picture remains murky for Sacramento, they are expected to capitalize on this opportunity to improve their standing against a tanking opponent.

“This is a solid matchup for us at home, and we need to take advantage of it,” Sabonis stated. “Every game matters as we fight for our playoff position.”

The Kings are favored by 11 points, and given the disparity in each team’s performance, they seem to be a safe bet. Odds are subject to change, reflecting the rapid shifts common in sports betting.

For those seeking betting advice, it’s crucial to consider the overall trends and performances leading into Monday’s game. Remember, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Peter Dewey, a senior editor for Sports Illustrated Betting, provides analysis on NBA matchups and his predictions for sports betting enthusiasts. Interested in more insights? Follow him on social media for daily betting tips.