Pacers and Kings Battle for NBA Conference Cellar

The two teams with the worst records in the NBA face off as Sacramento looks to build on its first home win in nearly two months.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Sacramento Kings will host the Indiana Pacers in a matchup of the two teams with the worst records in the NBA. The Kings (15-50) are last in the Western Conference, while the Pacers (15-49) have lost nine straight and sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Sacramento is coming off a win over the Chicago Bulls, led by Russell Westbrook's 23-point triple-double. The Pacers are wrapping up a four-game road trip after a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Why it matters

This game features the two teams with the poorest records in the NBA, highlighting the struggles both franchises have faced this season. The outcome will have little impact on the playoff race, but it provides an opportunity for the teams to evaluate their rosters and build momentum heading into the offseason.

The details

Sacramento's win over Chicago on Sunday snapped a three-game losing streak, with Westbrook, Malik Monk, and rookie Maxime Raynaud leading the way. The Pacers have dropped six straight games by an average of nearly 20 points, and they will be without point guard T.J. McConnell, who exited Sunday's game with a sore hamstring.

  • The Kings and Pacers will face off on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • Sacramento earned its first home win since January 16 on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Russell Westbrook

A 37-year-old veteran point guard for the Sacramento Kings who recorded his NBA-record 208th career triple-double in Sunday's win over the Bulls.

Malik Monk

A Kings guard who scored a season-high 30 points off the bench in Sunday's victory.

Maxime Raynaud

A rookie center for the Kings who contributed 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks in the win over Chicago.

T.J. McConnell

A Pacers point guard who exited Sunday's game against Portland with a sore right hamstring and will not play on Tuesday.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers, who said the team is in evaluation mode with an eye toward next season.

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What they’re saying

“Russ was spectacular. He controlled the ballgame. He found people in the pocket. He just continues to amaze that he can go out and produce the way he does. And (Sunday) was not only a great performance, but a needed performance for us.”

— Doug Christie, Kings coach (Sacramento Kings)

“It always feels good to get a win at home, especially in front of this crowd. I don't even know our record -- something terrible -- but as bad as we are, they always give us a lot of energy. They're always cheering for us no matter how bad we are, so kudos to the fans.”

— Malik Monk, Kings guard (Sacramento Kings)

“We had done some good things leading up to that, and there are some good things sprinkled throughout the game, but consistency and being able to sustain are essential on the road. There were problems we just couldn't overcome.”

— Rick Carlisle, Pacers coach (Indiana Pacers)

What’s next

The Pacers will look to end their nine-game losing streak when they face the Kings, while Sacramento hopes to build on its first home win in nearly two months.

The takeaway

This matchup between the two teams with the worst records in the NBA showcases the struggles both franchises have faced this season, as they look to evaluate their rosters and build momentum heading into the offseason.