Kings Injury Report: Who's Out for Must-Win Game vs. Pelicans? - Sports Illustrated

Sacramento Kings face early must-win game against New Orleans Pelicans amid mounting injuries

The Sacramento Kings are stumbling out of the gate at 0-4 following a punishing 27-point blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs, leaving the team desperate for a spark as they travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans. It feels early for desperation, but a loss to a fellow winless squad could quickly derail the trajectory of a franchise that managed 60 losses during the 2025-26 season due to relentless roster attrition.

They’re calling it “The Game” pic.twitter.com/koMVL2NMgV

— https://x.com/realapp/status/2115872735121555843

The Kings and the Brooklyn Nets remain the only three winless teams left in the NBA along with the Pelicans. This early-season futility already casts a long shadow over the lottery standings months before they actually matter.

A Shorthanded Rotation Threatens Sacramento’s Interior Depth

Head coach and front office personnel are once again wrestling with the familiar ghost of last year’s medical ward. The Sacramento Kings have officially ruled out four key players for Thursday night’s contest in New Orleans.

Keegan Murray: OUT (left ankle capsulitis)
Dylan Cardwell: OUT (left calf strain)
Maxime Raynaud: OUT (right patella subluxation)
Ben Simmons: OUT (right Achilles tendon repair/surgery)

Sports Illustrated reported that Keegan Murray is expected to miss another week or two, creating a glaring void in the starting lineup. While Precious Achiuwa has attempted to bridge the gap, his promotion leaves Sacramento entirely devoid of a traditional backup center.

With Raynaud and Cardwell sidelined, the team’s frontcourt depth is critically depleted. That lack of interior size has already exposed the defense to high-scoring opponents in the paint, a vulnerability the Pelicans are sure to target.

New Orleans Deals with Frontcourt Woes of Their Own

The New Orleans Pelicans enter Thursday’s matchup on the second night of a back-to-back following a Wednesday loss to the Denver Nuggets. Despite the heavy workload, they remain largely intact aside from starting center Yves Missi, who remains sidelined with a left knee contusion and bone bruise.

Kings Injury Report: Who's Out for Must-Win Game vs. Pelicans — Photo: newsbeep.com

While losing Missi damages the Pelicans’ rim protection, veteran center DeAndre Jordan has filled the gap with productive minutes off the bench.

Domantas Sabonis will look to exploit that depleted New Orleans interior, but a struggling Sacramento supporting cast must step up to secure the franchise’s first victory of the campaign.

Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. PT on Thursday in New Orleans, where two desperate teams will battle to finally erase the zero from their win column.