Sacramento is facing a team that happens to be on the same boat as the Kings. Here's the preview.
Fans who get into NBA Draft placement, this Sacramento Kings versus Indiana Pacers game is for you.
Because both teams are on the same boat. One or the other will hope to land the top overall pick come May 10.
Sacramento still holds the league's worst record at 15-50 while the Pacers have the same amount of wins, but one less loss.
Both have their fan bases envisioning AJ Dybantsa wearing their uniform. Or also Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Kingston Flemings and lastly Caleb Wilson.
The NBA Draft order is still too be determined with the lottery selections two months away. But again, this game is for the draft junkies who want to see which team eventually lands the top pick of the draft or at least crack the top five.
As for the betting side of things, which one is the favorite here?
Sacramento headed into Monday evening as the slight favorite. The Kings have slightly dropped in the betting line, but not by much. FanDuel Sportsbook lists Sacramento as the three-point favorite to win. DraftKings lists the Kings as the favorite too, but at 2.5-points.
Obviously, this game would draw more intrigue with some notable players on the floor.
Tyrese Haliburton won't be available until next season after his devastating Achilles tear in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Indiana's season unraveled after his ailment and the Pacers now look like a team simply resetting for next season.
But Sacramento got hit with the injury bug multiple times. Zach LaVine underwent season-ending surgery on his hand. Domantas Sabonis battled a knee injury and is now out for the rest of the year. Even De'Andre Hunter, added via trade by the Cleveland Cavaliers, is out with a rare eye infection.
Sacramento needed to turn to Maxime Raynaud for post presence duties and has answered the bell. He's become one of the highlights of a rough Kings campaign in going from second rounder to contender for the NBA's All-Rookie team.
Nique Clifford has flashed his potential too as the Kings' first round pick and looks ready to team with a high-profile rookie next season.
Even Russell Westbrook at 37 has valuably contributed to the Kings -- winning over Raynaud but also defending his team in front of the Sacramento media recently.
This game feels like a Kings victory, which still puts them in a position to land inside the top five come June.
NBC Sports California is airing this contest along with FanDuel Sports Indiana.
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