Breaking down Sacramento Kings’ NBA Playoff Tiebreaker scenarios

The 2024 NBA Playoffs are right around the corner, and the Sacramento Kings are still battling for a playoff spot. The Western Conference is incredibly packed with four teams hovering between sixth and ninth place in the West despite having at least 45 wins already. 

Sacramento is currently in eighth place, but they have a tough schedule ahead, and nothing is set in stone yet. Since the standings are so close, tiebreakers will be very important. So, let’s take a look at the Kings’ tiebreaker situation. 

How do NBA tiebreakers work?

If two teams have the same record, the standings are determined by several possible tiebreakers. They are deployed in the following order until one determines a clear winner:

1. Which team has the better winning percentage in games between the two squads?
2. Division leaders win ties over non-division leaders.
3. If the teams are in the same division, the division won-lost percentage is considered.
4. Conference won-lost percentage
5. Which team has the better winning percentage against other teams eligible for the playoffs in the same conference? 
6. Which of the teams has the better winning percentage against teams that are eligible for the playoffs in the other conference?
7. Point differential: Which of the two teams has the better net result of total points scored less total points allowed against all opponents? 

What about a three-way tie?

If three or more teams are tied, there is another set of tiebreakers to determine the correct standings. Again, you go through the list until one point breaks the tie. 

1. Division leaders win ties
2. Which of the three teams has the best winning percentage in all games?
3. If all teams are in the same division, the division won-lost percentage is considered.
4. Conference won-lost percentage
5. Which of the teams has the better winning percentage against teams eligible for the playoffs in the same conference?
6. Point differential

How do the Kings match up against other teams in tiebreakers?

Los Angeles Lakers: The Kings own the tiebreaker over the Lakers because they swept the season series. 

Golden State Warriors: Sacramento has the tiebreaker over the Warriors because they have a better division record.

Dallas Mavericks: Dallas has the tiebreaker over the Kings because they lead their division, and the Kings do not. 

New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans have the tiebreaker over the Kings because they have already won four or five regular season games between the two teams.

Phoenix Suns: This tiebreaker has not been determined yet, as the season series is tied 2-2, and there is still one game left to play. 

Remaining games that will affect tiebreakers

The Kings still have one game coming up against the Suns on Friday, April 12, which will decide the tiebreaker between the two teams.