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Sacramento Kings Face Momentum-Shifting Game In Charlotte

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 12: Yogi Ferrell #3 of the Sacramento Kings and Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets compete for a loose ball at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2019 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 12: Yogi Ferrell #3 of the Sacramento Kings and Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets compete for a loose ball at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2019 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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How the Sacramento Kings play against the Charlotte Hornets tonight could tell how the purple and white fare during their long road trip.

The Sacramento Kings will be in the Spectrum Center tonight as they will face off against the Charlotte Hornets. This game for Sacramento is the opener of a six-game road trip that will last for the purple and white until the 27th of January.

This six-game road trip is a significant part of the schedule for the Kings. If they end up playing well and winning games, they could make some serious ground in the Western Conference standings. On the other hand, if Sacramento struggles, then their playoff hopes will dramatically decrease.

Make or Break Type of Game

In my opinion, tonight’s game against the Hornets will speak a lot about how the Kings fare on their road trip. The Kings are the better team out of these two clubs, so a win tonight is expected and could give the good guys momentum going into their next game which is against the Detroit Pistons.

But if the Kings do end up losing this game, it could put them in a tough spot for the rest of their trip. Even though it is only one game, losing the first game could deplete their momentum and have them playing sluggish the rest of the way.

How The Kings Can Win?

If the Kings just play their game, then they should be able to win this contest. Offensively, they need to increase the pace of the game whenever they can and execute well. This means they need to take care of the basketball and make sure they are making their open looks.

Defensively, the Kings must be physical with the Hornets, especially with Kemba Walker who is by far Charlotte’s best offensive weapon. Even though Sacramento has been a poor defensive squad this season, they still have shown flashes of locking down their opponents when they are motivated to being active.

If the Kings stay true to themselves and play the way we all know they can, then they should leave Charlotte with the victory and start their road trip the right way. 

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