Hornets vs. Kings Prediction, Pick and Preview, November 5 (11/5): NBA

Credit: photo by Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Odds

Preview

The Sacremento Kings will host the Charlotte Hornets this Friday evening.

Charlotte nearly defeated Golden State during their last time out. A fast start from Miles Bridges would keep things close early, but a big game from Warriors guard Jordan Poole overwhelmed the Hornets, and propelled Golden State to victory.

Although the Kings are even through eight games, they're looking much more cohesive this season and should be in the mix of the group vying for the play-in seed if they continue this type of effort.

Charlotte Hornets

Miles Bridges has asserted himself as the frontrunner for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award with his impressive start. After matching a season-high 32 points in the lost to GSW, Bridges leads the team in scoring (24.1) and rebounding (8.1).

LaMelo Ball's play has picked up in his second season as well. After cooling off from a hot start, Ball responded with 27 & 30-point performances last week. Ball's averaging 19.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, and 6.3 apg.

Gordon Hayward and Kelly Oubre Jr. bring unique skillsets to the lineup. Hayward's ability to score, rebound and distribute has been on display early, while Oubre's two-way style has made life simpler on Miles Bridges.

Once Scary Terry gets going, this team could really cause some trouble in the East.

Sacramento Kings

Harrison Barnes has really come into his own this season. The former UNC forward has already supplied heroics this season with a buzzer-beater win against the Suns, and he's averaging career-highs of 23.3 ppg, and 9.5 rpg.

De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, and Davion Mitchell form a talented Kings backcourt. Fox's numbers are down, but he's bound to get things going soon. Haliburton is growing into one of the more well-rounded guards in the league, while Mitchell is enjoying a solid rookie season playing beside both young guards.

Richaun Holmes has emerged as a double-double threat in the middle. The seventh-year big was enjoying another physical outing before being ejected in the third quarter of Wednesday's win over New Orleans.Holmes is averaging career-highs of 15.1 ppg, and 9.2 rpg.

Prediction

This Sacramento squad is a team we should start taking seriously and betting with confidently. Although the Hornets came close to pulling off the cross-country upset earlier this week, they may have a tougher time with the Kings here. Sacramento is strong on both sides of the ball and we feel comfortable backing them to cover here.

PICK: Sacramento Kings -1.5

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