The Sacramento Kings (13-32), who are currently riding a seven-game losing streak, look to get back in the win column when they visit Spectrum Center to take on the Charlotte Hornets (18-26). Charlotte is a 9.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 209 points. Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, January 22, 2018, and it can be seen on NBC Sports – California.
Sacramento Kings at Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Kings were blown out by the Memphis Grizzlies in their last matchup, 106-88. Buddy Hield had a solid performance for Sacramento, recording 13 points and seven rebounds. Memphis turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Sacramento. The Grizzlies had a rate of 11.7 (better than their season average of 13.0), while the Kings posted a mark of 19.3 (above their season average of 13.0).
The last time the Hornets played, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Miami Heat, 106-105. With 14 points and 15 rebounds, Dwight Howard had a solid performance for Charlotte. Miami made 13 of their 28 three pointers (46.4 percent). Charlotte, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (16-21; 76.2 percent).
Opposite tempos will be on display in this showdown. Charlotte likes to play fast (ninth in possessions per game), while Sacramento is methodical (25th in possessions per game). Also, the Kings rank 30th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.153), while the Hornets rank fifth in opponents FTA rate (0.176).
Of Sacramento’s 45 games, 23 have finished over the projected point total, while 23 of Charlotte’s 44 games have finished under the O/U total. The Hornets have the better straight up (SU) record (18-26 vs. 13-32) and a narrow edge against the spread (ATS) (18-22-4 vs. 17-25-3).
The Kings Willie Cauley-Stein (16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (18.4 points) have been playing well over their last five games. Meanwhile, the Hornets have their own duo of hot players. Howard has averaged 14.8 rebounds, 14.6 points, 2.8 blocks and 1.2 steals, while Nicolas Batum has averaged 10.4 points and 3.4 assists.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to put up 242 points in that game, which was well over the projected point total of 204.5. The Hornets won 131-111, covering as 4-point favorites. The Hornets 3.0 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Kings, who had a mark of 13.6. In the loss, Zach Randolph had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Sacramento Kings at Charlotte Hornets ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Hornets rank fifth in fast break points allowed per game (9.8) while the Kings rank 19th (12.1).
- Sacramento ranks 27th in assists per game (20.7) while Charlotte ranks 28th (20.7).
- Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (9.8) while Sacramento ranks 10th (11.6).
- Sacramento is 8-13-3 ATS on the road with 12 unders, 11 overs and 1 push.
- Charlotte is 11-13-1 ATS at home with 14 unders and 11 overs.
- When allowing under 100 points, Charlotte is 8-2 and Sacramento is 8-4.
- The Hornets are 17-11 when they score above 100 points, while the Kings are 9-10.
- The Hornets rank 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (30.1) while the Kings rank 28th (31.2).
- Charlotte ranks second in rebounds per game (46.6) while Sacramento ranks 26th (40.2).
- The Kings rank seventh in steals per game (8.4) while the Hornets rank 27th (6.8).
- Charlotte ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.6) while Sacramento ranks 15th (16.1).
Betting Trends:
- Charlotte is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Sacramento is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Hornets have outscored opponents by an average of 7.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Charlotte has lost by an average of 0.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 100.2 points per game (2.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.6 points per game (6.8 above their season average).
