Charlotte aims for fourth straight win at home against struggling Sacramento team
Category: Sports
The Charlotte Hornets (37-34) are hoping to extend their three-game home winning streak when they host the Sacramento Kings (19-53) on March 24, 2026, at the Spectrum Center, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. ET. The Hornets are coming off a decisive 124-101 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, and they look to capitalize on their recent momentum against a Kings team that has struggled throughout the season.
Charlotte is currently favored by 17.5 points, a reflection of their strong recent performances and Sacramento's difficulties this season. The Kings have the third-worst defensive rating (119.8) and have lost key players to injuries, making this matchup particularly challenging for them. Sacramento's most recent game ended with a close 126-122 win over the Brooklyn Nets, but that victory was an exception rather than the rule for a team that has been consistently underperforming.
Fans can catch the action through Fubo streaming or on TV channels FDSSE and NBCS-CA. For those wanting to experience the game live, tickets are available on StubHub.
When it comes to betting, the odds are heavily stacked against the Kings, who are listed at a moneyline of +1000, compared to Charlotte's -2000. The total points for the game is set at 232.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The Hornets average 116.1 points per game, which is just shy of the 121.0 points the Kings typically allow.
Both teams have been dealing with injuries that could impact their performance. For the Hornets, guard Kon Knueppel is probable with lower back soreness, but he has been cleared to play. Meanwhile, Tidjane Salaun is out due to a calf injury, and Pat Connaughton is questionable with an illness. The Kings, on the other hand, are missing several key players for the remainder of the season, including Drew Eubanks, Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and De’Andre Hunter. Keegan Murray is also out with an ankle injury, and Precious Achiuwa is sidelined due to back issues.
Charlotte's starting lineup will feature LaMelo Ball, who has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, alongside Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté. Ball has been instrumental to the Hornets' recent success, averaging 22.9 points over the last eight games.
The Kings' starting five includes Devin Carter, Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Baldwin, and Maxime Raynaud. DeRozan is a notable player to watch, having scored 40 points against the Hornets earlier this month. Monk, a former Hornet, recently had a standout performance with 32 points against the Nets.
Statistically, the Hornets have been thriving offensively, boasting the fifth-best offensive rating (117.9) and the third-highest three-point shooting percentage (38.0%). They have also excelled against the spread at home, with a record of 22-12 and winning their last three home games by at least 19 points. The Kings, meanwhile, have struggled to find their footing, with a 13-21 record against the spread on the road.
According to the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulated the game 10,000 times, the total points scored are expected to go over 231.5 points with a probability of 57.7%. This model has been accurate, returning over $10,000 for $100 players on top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons.
With the Hornets leading the all-time series against the Kings 39-32, they have won three of the last four meetings, indicating a recent trend favoring Charlotte. The Kings will need a strong performance to overcome their injury woes and the Hornets' current form.
For those interested, the betting markets are buzzing around this matchup, with a total trading volume of $5.4 million across various platforms. The moneyline market shows the Hornets at 100¢ (100% implied probability) and the Kings at 0¢ (0%), highlighting the confidence traders have placed on a Hornets victory.
With the stakes high for both teams—Charlotte aiming to solidify their playoff position and Sacramento seeking to salvage pride—this game promises to deliver excitement. Fans can expect a clash of offensive firepower against a backdrop of defensive struggles, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter on March 24.
Stay tuned for what could be a thrilling night of NBA action!