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Sacramento Kings at Charlotte Hornets game 46 preview

By Tyler Watts

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket past Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket past Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings travel to face the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 22.  This article previews the matchup between Kemba Walker and De’Aaron Fox.

The Sacramento Kings continue their six-game road trip as they face the Charlotte Hornets tonight.  The Kings play again on Tuesday in Orlando.  A back-to-back set is the last thing you want to see when riding a seven-game losing streak, but that is what Sacramento faces this evening.

The two teams play just twice this season.  Tonight wraps up the series as they battled on Jan. 2 as well.  The Hornets came to Sacramento and defeated the Kings 131-111 in what was Sacramento’s worst defensive performance of 2018.  Below is a highlight video of that contest.

Today, we examine the top storyline of tonight’s game and some final thoughts about the Jan. 22 matchup between the Kings and Hornets.

Rookie vs. All-Star

The Hornets have trade rumors swirling around their team, but they still have Kemba Walker as of this writing.  Walker is an All-Star and exceptional talent.  For the third consecutive season, Walker is averaging over 20 points, five assists, two 3-pointers made, and a steal per game.  He is a nightmare to match up with on both ends of the floor.   I was shocked to hear the Hornets were interested in moving Walker because his contract is affordable and production is top notch.  Expect him to have a huge night against the Kings on Monday.

Related Story: Kings rumors: 3 potential landing spots for Z-Bo

De’Aaron Fox draws the task of outperforming Walker.  Fox is slowly rounding into form.  He is a positive defender, but he needs offensive polish.  The speed and quickness Fox possesses are second to none in the league, but he needs to find ways to utilize those strengths.  It is easy to watch the ball during a basketball game, but keep your eye on this matchup.  Is Fox ready to stop a scoring threat like Walker?  Can he get the Kings offense rolling and lead them to victory against an underrated Hornets squad?  Those are questions tonight’s contest will answer.

Final thoughts

Sacramento appears healthy and ready to roll into North Carolina to battle the Hornets.  Remember, the Kings are resting at least two veterans in every game going forward.  Zach Randolph and Vince Carter appear the two most likely candidates, but that is no guarantee.  It is frustrating that the team does not let the media know who is out each game.

I will also have an eye on Skal Labissiere tonight.  Frank Kaminsky and Marvin Williams could be matchup problems for Labissiere, but he needs to find a way to be passable against these players.  That would be a significant step in his development and could happen as soon as this evening.  Please tune in and enjoy the battle.

Next: Kings rumors: 6 potential destinations for George Hill

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