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