When the Lakers rescinded their trade with the Charlotte Hornets, sending Mark Williams back to the Hornets, one of the many after-effects was to create an unexpected logjam at center for Charlotte. It had acquired Jusuf Nurkic in a trade with the Suns, and now he and Williams were stepping on each other’s toes.
With Williams sidelined tonight for injury management — maybe there is something to Los Angeles bailing on that trade — value can quickly be found on Nurkic against the Sacramento Kings tonight.
My Hornets vs. Kings prediction is that simple, asking a proven veteran to reach a modest scoring output. Tip comes at 10 ET on Monday, February 24.
Hornets vs Kings prediction
My best bet
Jusuf Nurkic Over 7.5 points (-130 at bet365)
My analysis
Of the Suns’ many problems, failing to keep Jusuf Nurkic in a lineup lacking any other true big man has been forgotten. Phoenix is so flawed, that mistake is only one of many.
However, it was a mistake, whatever it was that led to Nurkic’s falling out with head coach Mike Budenholzer. The Bosnian had not played since January 7, when he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets for Cody Martin.
Nurkic never stopped being a quality NBA player. In four games with the Hornets, he has shot 12-for-28 and cleared this prop in three of four games, including both of his two starts. Nurkic has not yet played as many as 19 minutes, but he is producing in his time.
Williams has been ruled out for tonight, which will be his third missed game in Nurkic’s five on the roster. This may be the moment that Nurkic cracks 20 minutes, at which point this prop should be easily cleared.
Looking at the Kings does not inspire worry. Domantas Sabonis is one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA, but Jurkic outweighs him by 50 pounds and stands two inches taller. When the Bosnian Beast wants to get physical, he should find his way to the rim.
Sacramento has not taken to relying on Jonas Valanciunas yet, and the roster otherwise lacks genuine size. Expect Nurkic to continue to redeem himself after Phoenix’s month of slander.
Hornets vs Kings same-game parlay
Jusuf Nurkic Over 7.5 points
Jusuf Nurkic Over 7.5 rebounds
Kings moneyline
Every piece of the best bet’s logic applies to Nurkic on the glass, as well. That was not made the best bet simply because scoring eight points will take only four moments of success while snagging eight rebounds will require eight such moments.
However, Nurkic has found eight rebounds in three of his four games with the Hornets, outdoing that with 10 in the fourth. Starting and with likely more minutes tonight, Nurkic should clear this prop for a fifth straight game.
Nonetheless, expect Charlotte to lose. It has lost 11 of its last 13 games, a roster designed to plummet into the Bottom 3 of the NBA.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Hornets vs Kings odds
Hornets vs Kings live odds
Hornets vs Kings opening odds
- Spread: Charlotte +10.5 | Sacramento -10.5
- Moneyline: Charlotte +350 | Sacramento -450
- Over/Under: Over 231.5 | Under 231.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Hornets vs Kings spread and Over/Under analysis
- This spread opened Sunday evening with Sacramento favored by 10.5 points, and it climbed to -11.5 by Monday morning, then settling at -11.
- The total opened at 231.5 and spent the overnight bouncing between 231 and 231.5.
- Monday morning then saw the total spike to 234 before dropping again to 232.5.
Hornets vs Kings trend
Since trading De’Aaron Fox, the Kings have gone 2-5-1 against the spread. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Kings.
How to watch Hornets vs Kings
| Location | Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA |
| Date | Monday, 2-24-2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FD Sports Network-Southeast, NBCS-California |
Hornets vs Kings latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
