Sacramento Kings lose lottery tiebreaker, could fall as low as 9th

Tied with the Utah Jazz for the fourth worst record, the Sacramento Kings lost the lottery tiebreaker, leaving a possibility they fall to ninth.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Apr 20, 2026, 2:22 PM

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The 2026 NBA Draft lottery is one of the most important nights for the Sacramento Kings organization’s future.

“It’s very important, because it’s the next step for us in what we’re trying to build here,” Kings general manager Scott Perry said of the upcoming lottery. “To add real talent, add, at minimum, a starting-level player in this league.”

Where they end up selecting could very well be the difference between landing a starting-level player, as he mentions, or a franchise-altering talent. Ending the season 22-60, an identical record to the Utah Jazz, left them tied for the 5th-worst record.

To separate the two, the NBA conducts a tiebreaker behind closed doors. On Monday, the NBA announced that Sacramento had lost the coin flip, giving them the 5th-best odds.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/xwSJfpkaf5

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 20, 2026

The difference is not in the odds of moving up, as both teams will share a 45.2 percent chance of a top-four selection, including an 11.5 percent chance of lucking into first overall.

Instead, it’s about how far each could fall in the worst-case scenario where four teams below them leapfrog them in the drawing. Because the Kings lost the tiebreaker, they can fall as far as ninth, while Utah cannot finish below eighth.

Still, there’s a minuscule chance the Kings fall that low, and they’re very much in play for the top spots. This is expected to be a strong class, with potential franchise-changing talents joining organizations.

“I think this is a very strong draft class,” Sacramento general manager Scott Perry said of the 2026 NBA Draft class. “A lot of good young players on the horizon.”

Most experts have a top four of AJ Dybansta (BYU), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke), and Caleb Wilson (UNC). Ironically, all 14 lottery teams have a chance of drawing into the top four.

There’s still a strong tier of talent following them, including Kingston Flemings (Houston), Darius Acuff (Arkansas), Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville), Keaton Wagler (Illinois), and more.

It’s an unfortunate outcome for the Kings, losing a coin flip for all intents and purposes.

Still in play for a top spot, the lottery itself will take place on May 10th at 12 p.m. PST. That’s where Sacramento’s luck will truly impact their future.

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?

The Sacramento Kings will now look ahead to the highly anticipated NBA Draft Lottery, which is set for Sunday, May 10th.

Sacramento hasn’t secured the top pick in the NBA Draft since 1989, when it selected center Pervis Ellison with the first overall selection.

Be sure to stay locked in to Sactown Sports 1140 all offseason for NBA Draft Lottery coverage, NBA Draft previews and analysis, NBA Summer League content, and MUCH more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

Tuesday, April 14th – NBA Play-In Tournament begins
Saturday, April 18th – NBA Playoffs begin
Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official