The Charlotte Hornets come into Golden 1 Center hoping to reverse their fortunes. They have lost 12 of their past 13 games, including five in a row. Their most recent game was a 114-108 loss against the Detroit Pistons.
All-Star Kemba Walker continued his solid season, leading five Hornets in double-digits with 34 points. He had an impressive night, shooting 57.9 percent from the field, including 3-for-6 from downtown. His efforts were not enough as Detroit was led by the duo of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Tobias Harris, who combined for 58 points.
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings enter today’s matchup with a skip to their step after handily beating the Denver Nuggets, 116-100. Despite eight days off for All-Star Weekend, the team played in a similar fashion to their stretch of games prior to the break.
Willie Cauley-Stein recorded a career-high 29 points in his increased playing time, as well as 10 rebounds for his first double-double this season. New acquisitions Buddy Hield and Tyreke Evans played big roles in the win, each scoring 16 and 15 points, respectively. In his first game playing meaningful minutes, rookie Skal Labissiere recorded a career-high 12 points in the victory.
The Kings will look for their fifth win in a row at home when the Hornets visit.
Key Matchup
The Kings backcourt will have to keep an eye on Walker. The first-time All-Star is enjoying the best season of his career, averaging a career-high 22.7 points. He is also chipping in 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Kings are one of six teams he averages over 20 points against.
Did You Know?
The Kings need to lock in on Hornets big Frank Kaminsky, who is playing some of the best basketball of his career. Over his last eight outings, he is averaging 17 points, six rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Broadcast Information
The game will be streamed online at CSN California. Fans can also tune into the action on Sports 1140 KHTK Radio and the Sacramento Kings + Golden 1 Center App. Follow Kings.com with live updates and postgame content on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.