Ready for the NBA draft? Watch prospects get selected at these Sacramento bars
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their first NBA title with a Game 7 victory in the 2025 NBA Finals, closing the season and launching the league into offseason mode. The first major event: the 2025 NBA draft.
The draft begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday with round one airing on ESPN and ABC. Round two begins at 5 p.m. Thursday on ESPN.
Fans across the Sacramento region are expected to gather at sports bars and restaurants to follow selections and track offseason developments.
The Dallas Mavericks hold the No. 1 pick and are widely expected to select Duke freshman Cooper Flagg. The San Antonio Spurs pick second, followed by the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz.
Other projected lottery picks include Duke’s Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears, and Rutgers guards Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.
The Sacramento Kings enter the draft without a first-round pick. Their No. 13 selection was previously traded and now belongs to the Atlanta Hawks. Sacramento’s lone pick comes at No. 42 in the second round.
The Kings have worked out various players in the weeks leading up to the draft, many expected to be available when Sacramento makes its selection. One of those players was Texas Tech star Darrion Williams, a Sacramento native who spent two years at Capital Christian High School before going to Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.
Others include Gonzaga’s Khalif Battle, Florida guard Alijah Martin, Arizona guard Caleb Love, Baylor guard Jeremy Roach and Providence’s Jabri Abdur-Rahim, son of NBA G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who played for the Kings from 2005-08.
The 2025 NBA draft will broadcast live on ESPN and ABC. Coverage begins with the first round at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Round two starts at 5 p.m. Thursday on ESPN.
Here are some Sacramento-area sports bars and restaurants where fans can watch the draft and anticipate offseason transactions leading into free agency:
▪ 32 Brews Street (inside Sky River Casino), 1 Sky River Parkway, Elk Grove
▪ Barwest, 2724 J St., midtown Sacramento
▪ Buffalo Wild Wings, 7490 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove
▪ Cheaters Sports Bar, 3221 Folsom Blvd., East Sacramento
▪ Field House American Sports Pub, 1833 Fulton Ave., Sacramento
▪ Folsom Tap House Sports Bar & Grill, 25005 Blue Ravine Road, Folsom,
▪ Iron Horse Tavern, 1800 15th St., midtown Sacramento
▪ Mojo’s Local Tap and Kitchen, 1431 I St., midtown Sacramento
▪ Players Sports Pub & Grill, 4060 Sunrise Blvd., Fair Oaks
▪ The Midway, 330 3rd St., West Sacramento
▪ Tom’s Watch Bar, 414 K St., Downtown Commons
▪ University of Beer, 1516 Eureka Road, Roseville