Domantas Sabonis
The Sacramento Kings have been dealing with injuries throughout the season. Zach LaVine missed a chunk of time earlier in the season. Keegan Murray is missing significant time for the second different injury already.
The center position has been open for the team for some time, but the youngsters may have to step aside. Because, per reporter Anthony Slater, big man Domantas Sabonis set to finally come back.
An earlier article from Heavy’s Juan Pablo David confirmed that Sabonis was questionable for the contest, and this latest update has him finally suiting up again.
The big man was at the center of Sacramento snapping a long playoff drought a few seasons ago, and now he can finally bring his playmaking back to the lineup again against the Wizards.
He has not suited up since November 16th against the Spurs. The team riding a three-game winning streak as he comes back is certainly good news.
Welcome Back, Domantas Sabonis
When Sacramento first added Domantas Sabonis from the Pacers, he was playing at an extremely high level. He made his third All-Star game back in 2022-23, helping the team snap a 16-year playoff drought. Not only was he proving to he one of the best rebounders in the league, but he was putting up triple-doubles on the regular, averaging 7-8 assists per contest.
In his absence this year, Maxime Raynaud has been able to step in and take the starting center role. He has had opportunities he wasn’t expected to, while Dylan Cardwell has been showing out of late, a big rim-protector and glass cleaner.
Sabonis is going to help elevate the play of everybody around him, now that he’s back. He and Russell Westbrook have been elite passers and playmakers for a long time, so there is real value in having the two together. Dennis Schroder is also poised to return from his 3-game suspension in the team’s game with the Washington Wizards tonight.
A three-game winning streak is a very big deal after an 8-30 start. For a team like the Kings who plan to make wholesale changes at the deadline, players will have more value when playing better ball prior to the trade.
As a team, this is a forgettable campaign already. But for the guys slated to be moved, this is a big opportunity. Sabonis himself is on the trade market, and strong play over the next two weeks could land him in an ideal situation.
Next Steps for Domantas Sabonis and the Kings
Having your star center in the lineup generally makes you a better basketball team. Domantas Sabonis will finally return against the Wizards on Friday night. His first test in two months will be to try and slow big man Alex Sarr. He has been one of the premier shot blockers in his second campaign.
The playmaking will now be even better for Sacramento. Sabonis was the Kings motor, and now he and Russell Westbrook will be able to finally play off of one another. The Lithuanian center was a big part of this season’s vision, so having him miss 30 of the first 41 games certainly made things a bit tougher.
As Sabonis finally takes the floor, keep an eye on any potential rust. He may also just come back in his prime form. Whatever the case, it’s huge for Sacramento. It will make them better today. And increase his trade value tomorrow.