Charlotte Hornets (7-23) vs. Sacramento Kings (18-12)
In an intriguing NBA matchup, the Charlotte Hornets, currently with a 7-23 record, are set to face the Sacramento Kings, who hold a more favorable 18-12 standing, on Tuesday. This game, a focal point for daily NBA free picks, will take place at the Golden 1 Center at 10:00 PM ET. The Hornets, despite their challenging season, look to upset the Kings, who have been performing strongly at home.
The Hornets have had an eventful season, as their 7-23 record indicates. Over their last five games they have struggled and finished winless at 0-5 against the spread; nonetheless they did manage a respectable 3-2 mark against it. On the road they are 6-9 against it. On average they score 110.6 points per game with 46.7% field goal percentage and 35.9% rate of three pointers made. Their free throw accuracy stands at 79.1% but 13.3 turnovers per game and 19.6 fouls must be addressed immediately in order to be successful.
The Sacramento Kings have displayed impressive strength this season, as evidenced by their 18-12 record. Over their last five games they are 2-3 against the spread, but have an 8-6 mark away from home against spread games. Their offense is more dynamic, averaging 117.4 points per game on 47.4% field goal percentage with 36.4% success rate on three-point shooting and rebounding 42.9 boards per game to help control game’s pace.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Sacramento Kings Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Golden 1 Center |
| TV: | NBCS-CA |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
LaMelo Ball (PG) vs. De’Aaron Fox (PG)
LaMelo Ball has developed into an elite playmaker. He averages 8.2 assists and his court vision rivals the best passers in the NBA. However, Ball is also prone to sloppy turnovers (3.9 per game). His outside shot can be streaky as well (35.9% from 3). After missing over a month with an ankle injury, Ball is still working his way back into peak form. With his size and skill, he has the tools to dominate this matchup if fully healthy.
De’Aaron Fox has taken a major leap this year, establishing himself as Sacramento’s go-to scorer. His elite quickness allows him to get into the paint at will while also wreaking havoc on defense (1.7 steals per game). However, Fox struggles shooting from the outside (29.7% from 3) and his focus can waver at times. He will need to stay dialed in defensively against the crafty Ball. While Ball has the height advantage, Fox’s speed could prove even more decisive.
This clash of styles between Ball’s size and court vision vs. Fox’s blazing speed and scoring punch could determine the outcome. If Ball can control tempo and facilitate offense while containing Fox on the other end, the Hornets have a chance. But if Fox gets loose in transition for easy buckets, the Kings’ offense may be too much for Charlotte to overcome.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds and point spreads are yet to be announced, but given the teams’ current forms, the Kings might be favored.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Trends
The Hornets are just 3-7 straight up on the road but cover over 60% of the time away from home. When getting 8 or more points, they are 3-1 against the spread over their last 4 tries. With a healthy Ball, this plucky Hornets team has the talent to keep games closer than expected.
Sacramento Kings Betting Trends
While possessing an impressive home record (11-3 SU), the Kings have struggled against the spread at Golden 1 Center (6-8 ATS). They are just 1-5 ATS over their last 6 games when favored by 7 or more points. The Kings’ tendency to play down to inferior opponents could come back to bite them.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Sacramento Kings 1/2/24 Betting Picks
Considering the teams’ performances and trends, the Kings seem to have the upper hand, especially with their home-court advantage and stronger offensive stats.
For top online betting, one might look at prop bets focusing on individual performances of key players like Ball and Fox. The over/under will depend on both teams’ offensive execution and defensive strategies.
Free Pick and Prediction: Charlotte Hornets 102, Sacramento Kings 112
