The Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings have played 100 regular season games against each other, with the Pacers holding a dominant 55-45 record.
Despite competing in the same conference for decades, these two franchises have never faced each other in the NBA playoffs, making their regular season matchups the primary focal point of their rivalry.
The matchup represents an interesting dynamic in NBA history. The Pacers and Kings come from different conference eras, different competitive timelines, and different championship aspirations.
Yet their regular season meetings have produced some memorable moments and consistent competition.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
The Pacers maintain an overall record of 55-45 (55.0%) against the Kings, giving Indiana the clear edge in this particular matchup.
The Pacers currently hold a 2-game winning streak against the Kings, showing recent dominance in their most recent encounters.
The longest all-time winning streak that the Indiana Pacers have over the Kings is 7 games, which started on Feb 19, 1992 with a 129-115 win and lasted until Mar 24, 1995.
This streak demonstrates how the Pacers can sustain dominance over Sacramento when both teams meet repeatedly.
Record Breakdown
| Record | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage |
| Pacers Overall | 55 | 45 | 55.0% |
| Kings Overall | 45 | 55 | 45.0% |
| Current Streak | 2 | — | Pacers Leading |
The largest win by the Pacers over the Sacramento Kings is 27 points, set during a 122-95 win on the road on Dec 22, 2024. This massive margin shows how severely the Pacers can outplay Sacramento when everything clicks offensively and defensively.
Recent Matchup History (2024-2025)
The most recent game between these teams showcased the Pacers’ ability to mount comebacks against Sacramento.
Aaron Nesmith scored 17 of his 24 points in the second half, Obi Toppin added 19 and the Indiana Pacers rallied from a 16-point deficit in the second half to beat the Sacramento Kings 111-109 on March 31, 2025.
This game encapsulates the Pacers’ resilience and their capacity to execute when trailing significantly.
The comeback victory demonstrated Pacers depth and second-half adjustments that Sacramento couldn’t counter. Nesmith’s scoring spurt proved decisive, while Toppin’s 19 points showed multiple scoring options for Indiana’s offense.
Key 2024-25 Season Games
| Date | Winner | Score | Key Details |
| Mar 31, 2025 | Pacers | 111-109 | Nesmith 24 pts, rallied from 16 down |
| Dec 8, 2025 | Pacers | 116-105 | Home court advantage |
| Dec 22, 2024 | Pacers | 122-95 | 27-point margin of victory |
The last game between the Pacers and Kings was on Mar 31, 2025, when the Pacers had a 111-109 win at home over the Kings.
This close victory shows these teams remain competitive when they meet, even if Indiana holds statistical dominance.
Playoff History
The Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings have never met in the NBA playoffs.
This is a notable fact considering both franchises have had extended playoff runs at different points in NBA history.
The Pacers made the Finals in 2000, while the Kings have appeared in Western Conference Finals and maintained playoff relevance for stretches.
The different conference alignments throughout NBA history have worked against these teams meeting in the postseason. When both were strong, they often faced different playoff opponents.
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The recent competitive landscape has seen both teams struggle at different times, making playoff matchups unlikely for the foreseeable future.
Historical Era Breakdown
Early 1990s Dominance (1992-1995)
The longest all-time winning streak that the Indiana Pacers have over the Kings is 7 games, which started on Feb 19, 1992 with a 129-115 win and lasted until Mar 24, 1995.
This dominant stretch in the early 1990s established Indiana as the superior franchise during this era.
The Pacers’ consistent wins during this period set the tone for their overall head-to-head advantage.
Sacramento couldn’t find consistent answers against Indiana’s system during these formative years of their rivalry.
2000s Growth (2003-2004)
The longest all-time winning streak that the Sacramento Kings have over the Pacers is 6 games, which started on Mar 9, 2003 with a 107-88 win and lasted until Dec 11, 2004.
This represented Sacramento’s best stretch against Indiana, showing the Kings could sustain success when motivated.
This era marked the Kings’ competitive rise with their young core developing. The 6-game streak proved Sacramento could compete with established franchises like the Pacers when their system was functioning properly.
Modern Era (2020s Present)
Recent seasons show continued Pacers dominance with more sporadic matchups as the NBA scheduling rotates teams differently.
The Pacers currently hold a 2-game winning streak against the Kings, maintaining their recent edge in this rivalry.
Key Differences Between Franchises
The Pacers have maintained better consistency in regular season dominance throughout their matchups. Indiana’s organizational stability and playoff appearances have created an advantage that translates to regular season competition.
Sacramento experienced periods of competitive basketball but struggles to match the Pacers’ overall organizational success. The Kings’ playoff drought in recent seasons has limited their ability to establish winning culture that translates to conference play.
Head-to-Head Trends
Scoring Patterns
In the last 5 games, Sacramento Kings won 3 and lost 2, scoring 116.2 points per game with opponents averaging 121.8 points. This shows Sacramento scores competitively but struggles defensively in recent matchups.
In the last 5 games, Indiana Pacers won 2 and lost 3, scoring 100.0 points per game with opponents averaging 112.8 points. The Pacers’ recent struggles suggest a team potentially in transition with offensive limitations.
Shooting Efficiency
Both teams have shown competitive three-point shooting in recent seasons. Sacramento’s modern playing style emphasizes perimeter shooting, which sometimes creates defensive vulnerabilities against well-coached teams like the Pacers.
Matchup Dynamics
When these teams meet, the Pacers typically control the pace and establish early leads. Sacramento responds with spacing and three-point attempts but often falls short in clutch situations.
The Pacers’ depth at multiple positions gives them advantages when both teams are healthy. Sacramento counters with shooting efficiency and fast-paced offense but struggles defending multiple scorers simultaneously.
Historical Largest Margins
The record for the largest win by the Pacers over the Sacramento Kings is 27 points, set during a 122-95 win on the road on Dec 22, 2024.
The record for the largest win by the Kings over the Indiana Pacers is 38 points, set during a 120-82 win at home on Mar 3, 1982. This ancient record shows how competitive balance has shifted dramatically in recent decades.
Recent Season Performance
| Season | Pacers Record | Kings Record | Notable |
| 2024-25 | Better head-to-head | Trailing | Pacers dominated matchups |
| 2023-24 | Competitive | Competitive | Multiple close games |
| Current Trend | Winning streak | Difficult period | Pacers ahead |
The Pacers maintain their edge even during seasons when both franchises struggle in conference standings. This consistency proves the rivalry benefits Indiana when both teams meet.
Why No Playoff Meetings?
Conference structures historically kept these teams apart when both were strong. The Pacers’ 2000 Finals run came before Sacramento’s 2002 West Finals appearance.
Recent years have seen both franchises outside typical playoff positioning, reducing the likelihood of postseason meetings. If both teams simultaneously improve, a playoff matchup could happen, but current trajectories suggest otherwise.
FAQs
What is the all-time head-to-head record between Pacers and Kings?
The Pacers hold a 55-45 record against the Kings over 100 regular season games, giving Indiana clear dominance in this matchup.
Have the Pacers and Kings ever met in the playoffs?
The Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings have never met in the NBA playoffs, making their regular season matchups the only postseason-style competition.
What is the Pacers’ longest winning streak against Sacramento?
The longest all-time winning streak that the Indiana Pacers have over the Kings is 7 games, which started on Feb 19, 1992 and lasted until Mar 24, 1995.
What is the largest margin of victory in this rivalry?
The Pacers’ largest win is 27 points from a 122-95 victory on Dec 22, 2024. The Kings’ largest win is 38 points from a 120-82 victory on Mar 3, 1982.
Who won the most recent matchup?
The Pacers defeated the Kings 111-109 on March 31, 2025, with Aaron Nesmith scoring 24 points after a 16-point second-half rally.
How many games have these teams played against each other?
The Pacers and Sacramento Kings have played 100 games in the regular season with 55 victories for the Pacers and 45 for the Kings.
What was the Kings’ longest winning streak against the Pacers?
The longest all-time winning streak that the Sacramento Kings have over the Pacers is 6 games, which started on Mar 9, 2003 and lasted until Dec 11, 2004.
Do these teams match up competitively in recent seasons?
Recent matchups show the Pacers maintaining their edge despite both teams experiencing competitive struggles. Sacramento scores well but defensive inconsistency hurts them in close games against Indiana.
