Russell Westbrook
In California, the Sacramento Kings are set to host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, March 11.
The game features two teams that entered the 2025-2026 NBA season with opposite expectations, just to end up on a different side.
The Charlotte Hornets went from a struggling rebuilding franchise to a potential playoff dark horse in the Eastern Conference. The Kings went from a roster full of All-Stars to placing at the bottom of the Western Conference midway through March.
When the two teams meet on Wednesday night, the Kings have a loaded injury report. It got even more crowded when the star guard Russell Westbrook was downgraded.
Kings Announce Russell Westbrook Injury Before The Hornets Game
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings dribble the ball during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Dealing with a quad injury, Westbrook has been ruled out for Wednesday’s action.
It will mark the first absence for Westbrook since February 26, when the Kings took on the Dallas Mavericks. Since then, Westbrook has appeared in five-straight games. The streak concludes on Wednesday.
Underdog NBA
Russell Westbrook (quad) listed out Wednesday.
This year, Westbrook has appeared in 61 games for the Kings. Despite the struggles, he’s been a bright spot for the team. The veteran guard has averaged 15.5 points (43% FG, 34% 3PT), while putting up 5.4 rebounds per game and 6.5 assists per game.
Westbrook is currently in the midst of his first and only season under contract with Sacramento. He signed the minimum deal during the preseason.
via @SeanCunningham: Kings head coach Doug Christie on tonight’s win over the Bulls, seeing his team execute 33 assists on only 4 turnovers, Russell Westbrook’s 208th career triple-double and the production from Daeqwon Plowden.
Sean Cunningham
Kings head coach Doug Christie on tonight’s win over the Bulls, seeing his team execute 33 assists on only 4 turnovers, Russell Westbrook’s 208th career triple-double and the production from Daeqwon Plowden.
The veteran guard is a future Hall of Famer in the midst of his 18th NBA season. After entering the league out of UCLA in 2008, Westbrook has played for seven different franchises.
He spent 11 years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, two years with the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, then had one-year stints with the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and the Denver Nuggets.
Where The Kings Stand
Russell Westbrook
GettyRussell Westbrook passes Big O for most points by a PG in NBA history
Heading into Wednesday’s action, the Kings are 16-50 on the year. They have won just four of their last six games, despite winning their last two out.
The Kings are 15th in the Western Conference, trailing the Utah Jazz by under one game.
Along with Westbrook, the Kings will miss Dylan Cardwell, Devin Carter, De’Andre Hunter, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Isaiah Stevens.
The Kings will tip at 10 PM ET.