On Sunday, 02\/24, the Sacramento Kings (28-28) will host the Charlotte Hornets (14-41) in an inter-Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Kings have slipped to the 10th spot in the Western Conference whereas the Hornets have been lingering at the 14th spot in the East for most parts. Will the Hornets weave an upset against the desperate Kings? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.<\/p>
Kings: Inconsistent throughout the season<\/strong><\/p> The Sacramento Kings enter the game after a disappointing 24-point loss against the Golden State Warriors despite a 34-point masterclass by DeMar DeRozan. They are currently on a two-game losing streak, which has set them back once again after a three-game winning streak. Their defense has been terrible while the offense has also disappeared in key periods. Overall, they need to get their act together or they may lose their Play-in tournament spot to the Phoenix Suns.<\/p> Expected Starting Lineup<\/strong><\/p> PG<\/strong>: Malik Monk | SG<\/strong>: Zach LaVine | SF<\/strong>: DeMar DeRozan | SF<\/strong>: Keegan Murray | C<\/strong>: Domantas Sabonis<\/p> Injuries:<\/strong> Nothing to report thus far.<\/p> Hornets: Same old disappointing returns<\/strong><\/p> The Hornets come into this game after an embarrassing 53-point loss against the Portland Trail Blazers. This defeat sums up the perpetual state of the franchise and they have now lost 11 of their last 14 games. During the period, they have scored just 102.4 points per game(2nd worst), shooting a league-worst 42% from the field. It has undermined an otherwise decent defensive effort, as they have given up just 111.2 PPG(9th) in that period. At any rate, the Hornets’ rebuild once again hasn’t taken off and the franchise remains in a miserable position.<\/p> Expected Starting Lineup<\/strong><\/p> PG<\/strong>: LaMelo Ball | SG<\/strong>: Nick Smith Jr. | SF:<\/strong> Josh Green | SF<\/strong>\/PF<\/strong>: Miles Bridges | C<\/strong>: Mark Willams<\/p> Injuries<\/strong>: Nothing to report thus far.<\/p> The Hornets are struggling massively on the offensively, scoring 102 or fewer points in five of the last six games. The lack of offensive production has also taken hit on their defense as they have conceded 129-141 points range in the last two games. Meanwhile, the Kings have struggled defensively, conceding 128 or more points in three of the last four games. But they are a much better offensive unit than the Hornets, scoring 119 or more in four of the last five games. I expect them to breach the 125 points mark here while the Hornets can be held under 110.<\/p> Projected Predictions:<\/strong><\/p>Sacramento Kings vs Charlotte Hornets Total Over\/Under Prediction<\/strong><\/h2>