The Sacramento Kings (12-24) go head-to-head with the Charlotte Hornets (13-23) at Golden 1 Center. The game can be seen on NBC Sports – California at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 206 points with Charlotte opening as a 3.5-point favorite.
Charlotte Hornets at Sacramento Kings Free Prediction
The last time the Hornets played, they were beaten by the Los Angeles Clippers, 106-98. Los Angeles was effective at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Clippers made 24 of their 27 free throws (88.9 percent), while the Hornets were 15-19 (78.9 percent). Kemba Walker was Charlotte’s high scorer with 30 points on 11-for-21 shooting.
The Kings were blown out by the Memphis Grizzlies in their last matchup, 114-96. Memphis’ free throw rate was their largest strength over Sacramento. The Grizzlies had a rate of 0.237 (above their season average of 0.216), while the Kings posted a mark of 0.151 (below the 0.242 mark opponents have averaged against Memphis this season). With 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting, Willie Cauley-Stein was Sacramento’s high scorer.
It could be a tough game for Sacramento on the offensive glass. The Kings currently rank 20th in offensive rebounding percentage (21.5 percent), while Charlotte ranks first in defensive rebounding percentage (81.7 percent).
Charlotte comes into the contest with records of 13-23 straight up (SU) and 13-19-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hornets’ 36 games, 20 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Sacramento owns records of 12-24 SU and 15-18-3 ATS. Contrary to Charlotte, games including the Kings have finished over the total 50.0 percent of the time.
Cauley-Stein has averaged 16.0 points and 9.0 rebounds over the last five games for Sacramento.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Hornets won the last matchup 99-85. The Hornets had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.9 vs. 19.6) and had a better turnover percentage (9.7 vs. 14.1).
Charlotte Hornets at Sacramento Kings ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Charlotte is 4-9-3 ATS on the road with 8 unders, 7 overs and 1 push.
At home, Sacramento is 8-8 ATS with 8 overs and 8 unders.
Sacramento is 7-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Charlotte is 6-2.
The Kings are 8-5 when they score over 100 points, while the Hornets are 13-9.
Charlotte ranks second in rebounds per game (46.8) while Sacramento ranks 28th (39.9).
The Kings rank 11th in steals per game (8.0) while the Hornets rank 29th (6.5).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (9.5) while Sacramento ranks 16th (12.3).
The Hornets rank 19th in points off turnovers per game (15.8) while the Kings rank 27th (14.6).
Charlotte ranks 24th in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while Sacramento ranks 29th (22.6).
The Kings rank 26th in assists per game (20.8) while the Hornets rank 28th (20.6).
Charlotte ranks 24th in fast break points per game (9.1) while Sacramento ranks 25th (9.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Charlotte is 1-2-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Hornets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 1.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 100.0 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.0 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
