Charlotte Hornets at Sacramento Kings Game Preview
Injury Report
Hornets - OUT: LaMelo Ball (R ankle), Gordon Hayward (Calf), Frank Ntilikina (L Knee) DOUBTFUL: Mark Williams (Lower Back Contusion), Terry Rozier (Illness)
Kings: None
Game Preview
Sacramento road games have produced some of the most memorable Hornets games in recent years. There was the legendary overtime "Troy Daniels" game in 2016, the PJ Washington 42 point in 2021 and the De'Aaron Fox game where he missed two game clinching free throws. Strange things seem to happen when these two teams face off.
The Kings are 3-2 over their last five with wins against Phoenix, Atlanta and Memphis, but losses to Portland and Minnesota. The team is eerily similar to last year, with Fox and Sabonis leading the way with a helping hand from former Hornet Malik Monk off the bench.
Charlotte are expected to be with the same group as Denver, with Terry Rozier dealing with an illness. Before the Nuggets game, Head Coach Steve Clifford said "Terry is really sick... he couldn't practice yesterday. I saw him briefly and he didn't look good. The hope is he can play tomorrow night [in Sacramento], but I'm not even sure if that's reasonable."
Key Matchup: Ish Smith vs De'Aaron Fox
With Rozier likely out, Smith will draw the start again and be matched-up against Fox who is having a career year in points (30) rebounds (4.6) assists (6.1) 3 point shooting (40% on 8 attempts per game). Fox's career has been a slow, but consistent burn as he has emerged into an All-NBA level guard. Smith doesn't have the athleticism he used to, but he is a smart and experienced defender. For the Hornets to have any chance, Smith will have to hold Fox in check well below his season averages.
Predicted Starting Fives
| Charlotte Hornets | Sacramento Kings | |
|---|---|---|
PG | Ish Smith | De'Aaron Fox |
SG | Bryce McGowens | Kevin Huerter |
SF | Brandon Miller | Harrison Barnes |
PF | Miles Bridges | Keegan Murray |
C | Nick Richards | Domantas Sabonis |
