Ranking every 1-win NBA team by their chances of making the playoffs

Kings face a steep climb

Sacramento earned its first victory Monday against the Dallas Mavericks, who were without Kyrie Irving. But the Kings’ early defensive numbers point to major problems, and their playoff prospects look especially bleak.

Tom Ziller of Good Morning It's Basketball cited opponents’ 60 percent effective field-goal shooting against Sacramento, compared with the Kings’ 51 percent mark on offense. The Kings allowed 120 points in every game and at least 130 in each of their previous three, according to Ziller.

Maxime Raynaud’s eventual return from a knee injury could help. Still, the article argues that Sacramento’s roster, including Darius Acuff Jr., Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, is likely to concede plenty of points.

Chicago’s numbers are troubling

The Bulls have a bright spot in Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick. Through seven games, he is averaging 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 made 3-pointers, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.

Other indicators are less encouraging. Matas Buzelis has taken a step back, Noa Essengue is playing 14.0 minutes per game and shooting 37.5 percent, and Josh Giddey is shooting 36.9 percent.

Chicago ranks 26th in offensive rating and 29th in defensive rating, with a minus-16.0 point differential per 100 possessions. Basketball-Reference gives the Bulls a 0.1 percent playoff chance, and their upcoming schedule could make the path even harder.

Milwaukee has been more competitive

The Bucks have suffered blowout losses, but their early performances have been slightly more competitive than Chicago’s. Milwaukee is also dealing with the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The available account gives no further Bucks statistics or playoff projection. It describes the team as one of the Eastern Conference’s struggling clubs, alongside the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets and Bulls.