The Sacramento Kings are navigating a season that's been challenging, to say the least. With their 16th consecutive loss, the team has set a new franchise record, and it's caught the attention of NBA pundits.
The crew from ESPN’s Inside The NBA, including Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith, and Ernie ‘EJ’ Johnson, didn't hold back on their commentary. Barkley, in his signature style, quipped, “That’s impossible.
That’s got to be a typo,” highlighting the improbability of such a streak. The crew even joked about playing circus music during the Kings' recent double-digit loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
For Kings fans, the reality of the losing streak is all too familiar. Heading into their game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento is desperate for a turnaround. Their last victory dates back to January 16th, and during this slump, they’ve lost by an average of 14 points per game, with four losses exceeding a 20-point margin.
While the losses pile up, the Kings are eyeing a silver lining in the form of the upcoming NBA Draft. Holding the league’s worst record positions them with a 52.1% chance of snagging a top-four pick and a 14.0% shot at winning the draft lottery.
Injuries have also played a role in the Kings' struggles. Star players like Zach LaVine (hand), Domantas Sabonis (knee), and De’Andre Hunter (eye) are sidelined for the season's final stretch. This opens up opportunities for the younger players to gain valuable experience, even if it comes with growing pains.
The franchise is currently in an evaluation phase, and fans are witnessing a tough stretch not seen since the Kings moved to Northern California in 1985.
Next up, the Kings face the Memphis Grizzlies, continuing their five-game road trip. Memphis has dominated the season series so far, with a 3-0 record, including a close win on February 4th. Sacramento will be looking to break their losing streak in this matchup.
Catch all the action of the Kings vs. Grizzlies on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage starting at 3:30 PM PT and tip-off set for 5:00 PM PT.