The Sacramento Kings are 0-4 on the season after suffering a 27-point blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs, and they are now heading into a pivotal matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. While it feels weird to have a "must-win" game this early in the season, if they lose to the winless Pelicans, things could get dicey .

The Kings and Pelicans are two of only three winless teams left in the NBA, joined by the Brooklyn Nets, so this could actually be an important matchup that matters for the lottery standings at the end of the year.

Unfortunately, for this Kings team desperate for their first win, they remain significantly shorthanded heading into Thursday's matchup.

Kings injury report

Dec 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the third quarter at Toyota Center.…