The Sacramento Kings take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday night.

The Kings (11-14) have had more than their share of struggles this season, but they'll enter Friday's contest on an upswing in the form of four straight wins. Their most recent triumph unfolded Wednesday night, when the outlasted the Sacramento Kings by a 142-130 score. De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 33 points, adding three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Tyrese Haliburton and Davion Mitchell each posted 18 points, with the former adding 11 assists. Terence Davis and Harrison Barnes generated matching 16-point, five-rebound, three-assist tallies.

The Kings will be without Richaun Holmes (eye) for Friday's game.

The Hornets (14-13) have hit the skids again during what has been an up-and-down season, with their latest struggles prompted by the absence of multiple players due to health and safety protocols. Charlotte's most recent stumble, its fifth loss in the last six games, came Wednesday night in a 110-106 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting, five rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block. Kelly Oubre followed up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Miles Bridges totaled 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.

The Hornets are projected to remain without LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Ish Smith, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels due to COVID-19 protocols.

Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Kings own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 140-110 win Nov. 5.