Hornets, Kings collide in Sacramento

Two teams bound for the NBA Draft Lottery jump it up Wednesday night when the New Orleans Hornets visit the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena.

The Kings have lost four in a row and are fourth in the Pacific Division. All four setbacks during this current slide came at home and they've dropped five in a row in the capital of California.

On Sunday, they lost a heartbreaker to the Memphis Grizzlies, 89-87. Mike Conley's go-ahead layup with 30 seconds left proved to be the difference. Marcus Thornton thought he had a good look at a 3-pointer to win it, but Marc Gasol blocked the shot.

"Couple plays here and there," head coach Keith Smart said. "We had a chance in this game on so many occasions, so many occasions. I thought our defense gave us a chance."

Memphis only shot 43.8 percent from the field, but the Kings struggled worse. Sacramento managed to shoot 36 percent from the floor and 28 percent from 3- point range.

DeMarcus Cousins led the way for the Kings with 22 points and rebounds. Isaiah Thomas chipped in 18 and Toney Douglas and Jimmer Fredette both had double figures off the bench.

The Hornets have dropped three of their last four on a five-game western road excursion.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers came from behind to topple the Hornets, 104-96.

"Our guys fought all night long and that's what I want from them, is to compete and give ourselves a chance every night because we play hard," said Hornets head coach Monty Williams. "Our execution down the stretch wasn't bad tonight. I just thought they did some things from a physical standpoint that took us out a little bit in the fourth quarter."

Five Hornets scored in double digits, led by 22 from Eric Gordon. First overall pick Anthony Davis had a great all-around game with 18 points, 14 rebounds and four steals.

Greivis Vasquez had a double-double with 11 points and 11 assists and Ryan Anderson and Robin Lopez also cracked the 10-point plateau.

The Hornets have won both of this season's matchups with Sacramento, but both were in New Orleans. The Hornets have lost three straight and four of five in Sacramento.