All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis could be back in the lineup when the Sacramento Kings visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday in San Francisco.
The Kings will probably need him against a Golden State squad that has been one the best in the NBA since acquiring six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Heat.
The Warriors (37-28) are sixth in the Western Conference after winning five in a row and 12 of their last 14. They are percentage points ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the final automatic playoff berth in the West.
The Kings (33-31) are ninth in the West, 3 ½ games behind the Warriors. Sacramento is 1 ½ games ahead of the Dallas Mavericks and four games ahead of the Phoenix Suns in the play-in race.
Here are three things to watch in Thursday’s game.
Will Sabonis play?
Sabonis and Jake LaRavia are listed as questionable for the Kings. Sabonis has missed the past five games with a strained left hamstring. LaRavia missed the last game due to right knee soreness.
Sabonis was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. He has been out since injuring his hamstring in the opening minutes of a 113-103 victory over the Houston Rockets on March 1. The Kings are 3-5 in the eight games Sabonis has missed this season.
Sabonis is averaging 19.5 points, a career-high 14.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists. He is shooting 59.6% from the field and 43.2% from 3-point range.
Kuminga’s return
The Warriors expect Kuminga to return Thursday after missing 31 games with a right ankle sprain. Gary Payton II (nasal fracture) will be available. Brandin Podziemski (low back strain) is out.
Kuminga has appeared in 32 games this season. He is averaging career highs of 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.9% from the field and 34.5% from 3-point range.
Butler did it
The Warriors are 12-1 with Butler in the lineup. He is averaging 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.3 steals since joining Golden State.
Kings at Warriors
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Chase Center
TV: TNT
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Warriors -6.5
Over/under: 234.5
Injury report
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Jake LaRavia (back); Domantas Sabonis (hamstring). OUT — Isaiah Crawford (G League); Mason Jones (G League); Skal Labissiere (G League).
Warriors: Available — Gary Payton II (nose). PROBABLE — Jonathan Kuminga (ankle). OUT — Brandin Podziemski (back).