The Sacramento Kings are closing the regular season out this week. Including facing the Warriors twice.
The three-game stretch has arrived for the Sacramento Kings.
Sacramento will soon put a close to a rather forgettable 2025-26 season. But to the Kings' credit, they've won two of their last three games.
Now they get the Golden State Warriors twice before closing out the season. And a Warriors team that recently welcomed back franchise face Steph Curry from a longtime injury.
Sacramento isn't expected to win big here. Not as a 15.5-point underdog against the Warriors per FanDuel Sportsbook.
But a loss can still improve the Kings' NBA Draft chances. The team sits tied at fourth in the current draft probability standings.
Utah is tied with Sacramento. Then it's the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards from three to one in that order.
The Kings don't have many winnable games left, so there's a good chance Sacramento could ignite top three chatter if it finishes 21-61 overall.
In the meantime, the next potential draft pick will team with rookie highlight Maxime Raynaud. He's already envisioning making the All-NBA Rookie First Team.
"I think I've put up the numbers," Raynaud told reporters. "[I'm] Leading the league in double-doubles among rookies. I think I can finish in the top three if I lock in. Obviously I started slow the first couple of the months but I had a tremendous second half of the year. I think I made a case for it."
Obviously he needed to step up amid injuries. But Raynaud has given the Kings future optimism with his play. Now there's chatter about him playing alongside North Carolina star freshman Caleb Wilson, who's projected to fall to No. 4 in Sacramento per Yahoo! Sports' mock draft released last Thursday.
Nique Clifford hands Sacramento optimism as well after scoring 18 points. Sacramento will aim for another huge outing from Devin Carter, who led the Kings with 21 points despite the loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Dylan Cardwell and Daeqwon Plowden are two more who are needed to step up after scoring 15 points apiece.
But again, Sacramento faces a tough road ahead. Golden State is vying for a final playoff spot. Same with the Portland Trail Blazers, who are another aspiring playoff team.
NBC Sports California and NBC Sports Bay Area will air the action for fans.
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