The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night at the American Airlines Center. While both teams are navigating a challenging season, the Mavericks have recently found a spark, winning their last two games. Despite being largely counted out for the 2026 campaign, this mini-streak might just continue against a Kings team deeply entrenched in the "tanking" strategy.
Sacramento, holding the NBA's worst record at 13-47, is seemingly leading the charge for the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. With the draft class stacked with talent, the Kings' focus appears to be on the future rather than the present.
The Mavericks, sitting at 21-36, have already struck gold with last summer's top prospect, Cooper Flagg. His emergence as a star has brightened Dallas's long-term prospects, even as they keep a close eye on their lottery odds as the season winds down.
Sacramento has been on a rough patch, losing 10 of their last 11 games, including a tough 128-97 defeat to the Houston Rockets. However, they did manage to snap a 16-game losing streak with a win against the Memphis Grizzlies, offering a glimmer of hope amidst a challenging season.
The Kings have faced criticism for their apparent commitment to tanking, especially after shutting down key players like Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeAndre Hunter for the season due to surgeries. This shift towards a youth-focused lineup has further complicated their season.
On the Mavericks' side, injuries have also taken their toll. Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are out for the season as they recover from surgeries, and P.J. Washington will miss Thursday's game due to a left ankle sprain.
As the game approaches, both teams are navigating their own unique challenges, with the Mavericks hoping to extend their winning streak and the Kings looking to build on their rare recent victory.