Charlotte Hornets MUCH better team than Sacramento
Charlotte is MASSIVELY better than Sacramento, but we're keeping bet size very small due to some negative factors against the Hornets. On the safe side, and because of potential risks below, we're going money line instead of spread.
Not sure what Kemba and Howard are doing this season, but it's not working. Keep waiting for the two to play up to their capabilities-- maybe this game? Just on pure talent, Charlotte should murder the hapless Kings. Even at their worst, Kemba & Company are far superior to a rudderless Kings organization that hasn't had a clue in longer than we remember. At this point, it's obvious Sacramento is tanking hard for that #1 pick along with Atlanta. Sacramento's biggest problem is the coach doesn't allow anyone to get comfortable, there's ZERO starters on this team who can rely on starting every night, much less get more than 25 minutes. It's almost like the coaching staff has a cap limit on minutes. That's depressing for players who like to feel comfortable in their role or in their starting 30 plus minutes.
Problems with our bet:
#1 Cody Zeller is out.
Zeller is a rockstar when playing center for Kemba, but is also valuable off the bench as center. Don't get us wrong, Charlotte is still way better even with Zeller out, but Zeller is a glue guy whose value always seems to be greater than his pure talent level provides, he seems to make teammates better which is VERY rare in the NBA.
#2 Away is particularly tough
Charlotte moving three timezones over is never a good thing.
#3 Will to win.
We're just not sure what Charlotte is doing lately. Are they tanking? They SHOULDN'T be, this team has a ton of talent waiting to gell, and need to get their act together before its too late. Batum's injury has been an anchor on the team for entire season, but he's been improving as he gets his sea legs. But again, is coaching staff highly motivated? We don't know. We're using this game as a final litmus test on the Hornets organization in 2018. If they can't get a W vs the Kings, the season and team must be written off as a giant tanksky and Charlotte will need be avoided the rest of the season. Let's hope it doesn't come to that!
For that reason, use a 0.5% AUM punt.