Kings vs Nets Preview: Kids Courtside Clash

Both the Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets are near the bottom of their conferences, fighting for nothing but draft positioning. Sacramento holds a 19-56 record, while Brooklyn sits at 17-57. Although neither team is chasing a playoff spot, Sunday's game still matters. Young players on both rosters need minutes, and the next draft class could change everything for these franchises.

Sacramento's season unraveled quickly because of injuries. Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan — all three top players — are out for the year. Without its core, the team spiraled down the standings. The front office responded by trading Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis to Cleveland. Rookies Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford have stepped up, giving fans something to watch during a painful rebuild.

Brooklyn is also in full rebuild mode after finishing 26-56 last year. The Nets drafted Egor Demin and Nolan Traore to lead their young backcourt. Although Demin's rookie season ended early due to plantar fasciitis, Traore has impressed by blowing past defenders and creating open shots. Michael Porter Jr. delivered All-Star-level play early in the season but will miss Sunday's game with an injury.

With so many veterans sidelined, Sunday's game belongs to the young players. Maxime Raynaud will patrol the paint for Sacramento, while Nolan Traore and Nic Claxton anchor Brooklyn's lineup. Josh Minott is questionable with a hip injury. Although this game won't decide playoff races, it's a chance for prospects to prove themselves. If the draft is the destination, these players are already making the journey count.