Kings and Pacers Clash in Battle of NBA Basement Dwellers

Tyrese Haliburton and Domantas Sabonis out as both teams look to improve draft position

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings, two of the NBA's worst teams this season, will face off in a matchup of squads looking to improve their draft position. Both teams have been plagued by injuries, with key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Domantas Sabonis ruled out. The game features a battle between the league's two bottom-feeders as they vie for a higher pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Why it matters

This game is significant for both teams as they aim to secure a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, which is projected to be one of the deepest in recent memory. With both the Pacers and Kings struggling mightily this season, this matchup represents an opportunity for the teams to gain ground on each other in the race for the league's worst record and the best odds at landing the top overall selection.

The details

The Pacers and Kings have been linked since the Tyrese Haliburton-Domantas Sabonis trade, and with both players out for this game, it sets the stage for a battle between the league's bottom-feeders. Indiana has dropped nine straight and 13 of 15 since February, while Sacramento has lost 20 of its last 23 games. The Pacers are 5-25 on the road and 4-17 against Western Conference foes, while the Kings lead the NBA in losses.

  • The game will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10:10 p.m. EST.
  • The Pacers and Kings previously met earlier this season, with Indiana winning 116-105 on December 8, 2025.

The players

Tyrese Haliburton

A key player for the Pacers who is out with a right Achilles tendon tear.

Domantas Sabonis

The Kings' star center who is sidelined with a left knee meniscus repair.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, he'll play this season. He's doing better, but he's not there yet, and we're not going to send a guy out there to play who isn't 100 percent.”

— Rick Carlisle, Pacers Head Coach

What’s next

The Pacers and Kings will continue their seasons with the goal of securing a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, which is expected to be one of the deepest in recent memory.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Pacers and Kings represents a battle between two of the NBA's worst teams this season, as both squads look to improve their draft position and build towards a brighter future.