Preview of the Charlotte Hornets vs. Sacramento Kings game

LaMelo Ball (right ankle), Gordon Hayward (calf), and Frank Ntilikina (left knee) all out for the Hornets. DOUBTFUL: Terry Rozier (Illness), Mark Williams (Lower Back Contusion).

Some of the most memorable Hornets contests in recent memory have come from away games against Sacramento. The renowned “Troy Daniels” overtime game from 2016, the PJ Washington 42-point performance in 2021, and the De’Aaron Fox game, in which he missed two game-winning free shots, are just a few examples. Matches between these two teams always tend to result in strange occurrences.

The Kings have lost to Portland and Minnesota but have won three of their past five games against Phoenix, Atlanta, and Memphis. The squad is strikingly identical to the one from the previous season, led by Fox and Sabonis, with former Hornet Malik Monk providing support off the bench. As Terry Rozier is unwell, Charlotte is anticipated to be in the same group as Denver. Head coach Steve Clifford stated prior to the Nuggets game, “Terry is really sick; he couldn’t practise yesterday.” In my brief glimpse, he didn’t appear well. It’s hoped that he can perform [in Sacramento] tomorrow night, but I’m not even sure that’s realistic.”

Smith will start once more and face Fox, who is having a career year in terms of points (30), rebounds (4.6), assists (6.1), and three-point shooting (40% on 8 attempts per game) as Rozier is probably out. As Fox has developed into an All-NBA level guard, his career has been a slow but steady burn. Although Smith’s athleticism has diminished, he is still a knowledgeable and skilled defender. Smith will need to keep Fox well below his season averages if the Hornets are to have any hope.