Kings Look to Defy Odds Against Hornets Amid NBA Playoff Push

Kings Look to Defy Odds Against Hornets Amid NBA Playoff Push

The NBA landscape is shifting, with the Sacramento Kings showing unexpected resilience. Just a month ago, on February 22, they held a dismal record of 12-46, the worst in the league. However, after a surprising turnaround, they now sit at 19-53, having gone 7-7 in their last 14 games, which has slightly diminished their chances of landing a top draft pick. Tonight, the Kings face the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center at 7 p.m. ET, kicking off a critical five-game road trip. The Hornets, who are currently 37-34, are significant 16.5-point favorites as they vie for a better playoff position, being just three games behind the Toronto Raptors for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Key Matchups: Kings at Hornets - Time: 7 p.m. | Location: Charlotte | TV: NBA League Pass - Model Prediction: Hornets -16.5 | Chance to Cover: 52% Pelicans at Knicks - Time: 7:30 p.m. | Location: New York - Model Prediction: Knicks -8.5 | Chance to Cover: 67% Magic at Cavaliers - Time: 8 p.m. | Location: Cleveland - Model Prediction: Magic +366 | Chance to Win: 33% Nuggets at Suns - Time: 11 p.m. | Location: Phoenix - Model Prediction: Suns +194 | Chance to Win: 45% The Kings, known for their defensive struggles, face a Hornets team riding a three-game winning streak, outscoring opponents by an average of 24 points in those victories. The Kings' current position in the standings presents a fascinating subplot to tonight's game as they continue to navigate a challenging season.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-03-24