Kings Face Wizards in Crucial Home Game Amid Playoff Push

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings host the Washington Wizards on Sunday night at the Golden 1 Center, aiming to avoid a costly slip-up against the NBA’s worst team as they push for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

The Kings (22-21) enter the game on a five-game home winning streak but cannot afford to underestimate the Wizards, who hold the league’s worst record at 6-34. Despite Washington’s struggles, Sacramento has a history of dropping games to underperforming opponents, a trend they hope to break under interim head coach Doug Christie.

“Every game matters,” said Kings guard De'Aaron Fox, who is expected to lead the charge after a subpar shooting performance in their previous game. “We can’t take anyone lightly, especially at home.”

The Wizards rank last in both offensive and defensive efficiency, but their up-tempo style (4th in Pace) could pose challenges. Sacramento will look to exploit Washington’s defensive weaknesses, particularly their league-worst three-point defense and poor rebounding. Domantas Sabonis, the Kings’ standout center, is expected to dominate in the paint against a Wizards frontcourt led by rookie Alex Sarr, who has struggled with efficiency this season.

Washington’s offensive threats, Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma, have underperformed this year. Poole, averaging 21.9 points per game, remains a potential X-factor due to his ability to score in bunches. Kuzma, a Kings nemesis in past matchups, is having his least productive season since his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Kings will be without guard Devin Carter due to a wrist injury, and Keon Ellis is questionable with an ankle issue. Despite these absences, Sacramento is favored to win, with Fox predicted to bounce back in a big way. “If we can’t beat the Wizards without Ellis, we don’t deserve to win,” said one fan on a local sports forum.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM PST, with the game broadcast on NBC Sports California and Sactown Sports 1140 AM. A victory would move the Kings closer to .500 at home and solidify their standing in the competitive Western Conference playoff race.