Kings center Domantas Sabonis could be back in the lineup much sooner than expected.
The Kings announced Sabonis was a full participant in Sunday’s practice after making significant progress in his recovery from a right ankle sprain.
Sabonis is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Malik Monk (illness) and Devin Carter (illness) are also questionable.
The Kings (35-25) are ninth in the Western Conference. They are trying to hold on to one of the last two spots in the NBA play-in tournament after losing six of their last eight games.
Sabonis, a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, has missed the last three games after going down with the ankle injury in Monday’s 132-122 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. He has been sidelined for nine of the past 11 games following a previous six-game absence due to a hamstring injury.
Sabonis, who came out of Gonzaga as the No. 11 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, has averaged 19.2 points, a career-high 13.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 58 games for the Kings. He must appear in seven of Sacramento’s last 12 games to reach the 65-game threshold for All-NBA honors and other postseason awards.
The Kings are 31-17 with Sabonis in the lineup this season. They are 4-8 in the 12 games he has missed.