The Sacramento Kings are no longer playing for ideal conditions—they’re playing through survival mode. And according to NBC Sports California analyst Kayte Christensen, that reality is shaping how this stretch of the season should be viewed.
Christensen joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to share her thoughts on how the Kings have handled a lengthy injury report during the 2025-26 campaign, with more players continuing to suffer injuries as the season winds down.
“There’s been such an unprecedented number of injuries and surgeries that have gone down this season,” Christensen said. With just eight available players in a recent loss, the expectations shift.
As she put it bluntly, “What else do you expect?” Instead of focusing on wins and losses, the Sacramento Kings are deep in evaluation mode, giving extended minutes to players who would typically be buried on the bench.
That shift has opened the door for intriguing development—especially with rookie big man Maxime Raynaud. Christensen pointed to the silver lining of injuries, noting, “We probably never would have been able to actually see what Max Raynaud is made of.”
And what they’re seeing is encouraging.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Over 65 games (47 starts), Raynaud has averaged 11.9 points (eighth among NBA rookies) and 7.3 rebounds (first among 2025 Draft picks), and shot 56 percent from the field while leading all first-year players in double-doubles with 16.
While veteran center Domantas Sabonis remains the standard, Christensen highlighted Raynaud’s broader offensive toolbox: “He has a more complete offensive arsenal… a lot more of the touch shots.” Even in limited reps, those flashes are drawing attention—not just internally, but from opposing broadcasts reacting in real time to his skill set.
The evaluation doesn’t stop there. The Sacramento Kings are also learning how their young pieces fit together, particularly in the frontcourt.
Christensen believes combinations like Raynaud and fellow rookie center Dylan Cardwell can work, though development is still ongoing.
Cardwell, she noted, is almost wired too unselfishly: “He has to break the habit of not thinking about scoring.”
That growth, paired with defensive versatility and rebounding, paints a picture of a roster quietly building depth. And despite the chaos, the results haven’t been disastrous—Christensen pointed out the team is “five and four over their last nine games,” a sign that the Sacramento Kings are competing, even while piecing things together.
Check out the full interview with NBC Sports California‘s Kayte Christensen by scrolling to the top of the page or by clicking here.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Maxime Raynaud and the Sacramento Kings will continue their final road trip of the season on Thursday afternoon when they face the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center.
Sacramento dropped a 131-94 contest to Orlando at Golden 1 Center on February 19th as the Magic used a 30-point effort from Paolo Banchero to blow out the Kings.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Orlando Magic action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before a 4:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Orlando.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Thursday, March 26th – @ Orlando Magic – 4:00 PM PT
Saturday, March 28th – @ Brooklyn Nets – 4:00 PM PT
Sunday, March 29th @ Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 PM PT
Wednesday, April 1st @ Toronto Raptors – 5:00 PM PT
Friday, April 3rd vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM PT
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