Kings Fall Short in Close Loss to Pelicans

Sacramento makes late push but can't overcome New Orleans in 133-123 defeat

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Sacramento Kings put up a strong fight against the New Orleans Pelicans, but ultimately fell short in a 133-123 loss. The Kings, who are in the running for a top draft pick, kept the game close late with a lineup featuring veteran players like DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook, rather than resting their starters. Precious Achiuwa had another impressive performance for Sacramento with 29 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.

Why it matters

The Kings are in a tight race with other lottery-bound teams for a high draft pick, so each win or loss carries significant weight. While the team showed fight in keeping the game close, the decision to play key veterans down the stretch could impact their draft position at the end of the season.

The details

The Kings made a late push to pull within striking distance, but the Pelicans held on for the 133-123 victory. Precious Achiuwa continued his strong play for Sacramento, recording 29 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. Drew Eubanks also had a big game off the bench with 15 points and 11 rebounds. However, the decision by head coach Doug Christie to play veterans like DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk in crunch time, rather than resting them, could impact the team's draft position.

  • The Kings are set to face the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers next, followed by a matchup with the Utah Jazz.
  • The Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers have all been on long losing streaks, which could impact the Kings' draft position.

The players

Precious Achiuwa

A forward for the Sacramento Kings who had an impressive performance in the loss, recording 29 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.

Drew Eubanks

A center for the Sacramento Kings who had 15 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

DeMar DeRozan

A veteran forward who played in the closing minutes for the Kings, despite the team's focus on securing a high draft pick.

Russell Westbrook

A veteran guard who also saw playing time in the final minutes for the Kings, rather than resting the team's starters.

Malik Monk

A guard who was part of the Kings' closing lineup, despite the team's position in the lottery standings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Kings will look to bounce back in their upcoming games against the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers, two other teams vying for a high draft pick.

The takeaway

The Kings' decision to play their veteran players down the stretch, rather than resting them, highlights the team's desire to build a winning culture, even if it comes at the expense of their draft position. This approach could have long-term benefits, but it also raises questions about the team's commitment to securing a top draft pick.