The Sacramento Kings are walking a fine line late in the season, and as Sactown Sports’ Carmichael Dave and Jason Ross discussed, that line is becoming increasingly clear: losing might actually be the better outcome.
After another competitive defeat, the conversation shifted to Tuesday’s close loss to Golden State, which Dave described as the “perfect loss.”
“Did we lose? Yes, okay, check. Secondly, was it close? Yeah,” Dave said. “Was it an entertaining game? Check, had a chance to win. Did the youth play a large part in it? Yeah.”
For a team balancing development and draft positioning, that formula checks every box.
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
That’s where the tension lies for the Sacramento Kings.
On one hand, the team is competing and showcasing young talent, giving fans something to feel optimistic about. On the other hand, every win could damage their chances at a higher lottery pick in a loaded draft class.
Sacramento (21-59) is 7-8 over their past 15 games, while players like Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell, and Nique Clifford are ending their rookie seasons on a high note.
Despite their best stretch of basketball in an otherwise forgettable season, the Kings have seen their NBA Draft Lottery odds fall from the top spot to a tie for fourth with two games remaining.
Dave didn’t shy away from the harsh reality of the situation, saying, “They can’t win. You got to lose. Sorry, home fans, you’ve got to lose. It is way too important.”
With Sacramento tied in the standings with Utah for fourth and just a half-game behind Brooklyn for third, even one win could drop them in lottery positioning and lower their odds of landing a top pick.
Projected 2026 top-five picks Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks and forward AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars chase down a loose ball in the first half at Allen Fieldhouse on January 31, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
The numbers back it up. Moving from fifth to potentially third in the pre-lottery standings significantly boosts a team’s chances at a top selection.
As Dave pointed out, “There’s a chance, there’s an outside chance, but still a chance they legitimately could go from being fifth to third.”
That kind of jump could be franchise-altering in a loaded 2026 NBA Draft that is expected to include the likes of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, and more.
Still, Jason Ross acknowledged the emotional side of it, especially for fans at Golden 1 Center as Sacramento prepares to play its final home game on Friday night against the Warriors.
“I would like the Kings to win games. That’s what they’re out there for,” he said, highlighting the natural desire to see success, even in a lost season.
(Getty Images)
That internal conflict reflects a bigger uncertainty about the roster’s future. With questions surrounding veterans like DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and Zach LaVine, the Kings could be headed toward a youth-focused reset.
Ross even questioned how many current players will be on the next competitive roster, noting the difficulty of balancing present development with long-term planning.
In the end, the Sacramento Kings appear to be prioritizing the bigger picture. And while it may not sit well in the moment, the path forward might require more losses now to build something better later.
Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will play their final home game of the 2025-26 season on Friday night when they face Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 7:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
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Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Friday, April 10th vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, April 12th @ Portland Trail Blazers – 5:30 PM PT (End of season)
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