Kings' Russell Westbrook Ruled Out for Critical Nets Matchup

Veteran guard sidelined with right foot soreness as teams battle for draft lottery position

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:18pm

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Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook has been ruled out of Sunday's critical matchup against the Brooklyn Nets due to right foot soreness. The game has significant implications on the NBA's draft lottery race, with the Kings and Nets currently separated by just one win in the standings. Westbrook played 28 minutes in the Kings' previous game but will now miss this showdown as Sacramento deals with several key absences.

Why it matters

The Kings-Nets game is an important contest in the race for draft lottery positioning, with the teams currently occupying the third and fourth spots in the draft order. Westbrook's absence is a significant blow for the Kings, who are already missing several key players including Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray.

The details

Westbrook has appeared in 64 games for the Kings this season, averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. He played 28 minutes in the team's previous game against the Philadelphia 76ers, recording 11 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists. The Kings will also be without Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Murray, De'Andre Hunter and Drew Eubanks for Sunday's matchup. The Nets will be missing Egor Demin, Day'Ron Sharpe, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton, while Terance Mann is listed as probable.

  • Westbrook was ruled out for Sunday's Kings-Nets game due to right foot soreness.
  • The Kings-Nets matchup will take place on Sunday, March 24, 2026.

The players

Russell Westbrook

A veteran guard for the Sacramento Kings who has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets due to right foot soreness.

Domantas Sabonis

A key player for the Sacramento Kings who will also miss Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Egor Demin

A player for the Brooklyn Nets who has been ruled out for the season.

Day'Ron Sharpe

A player for the Brooklyn Nets who has been ruled out for the season.

Michael Porter Jr.

A player for the Brooklyn Nets who has been sidelined for 2-3 weeks by a hamstring strain.

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What’s next

The Kings and Nets will have a rematch in Brooklyn one week from Sunday.

The takeaway

The absence of Russell Westbrook and several other key players for both teams will make this a critical matchup in the race for draft lottery positioning, with significant implications for the future of both franchises.