The Sacramento Kings are set to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, but all eyes are on Domantas Sabonis - both for what he brings to the court and what might happen off of it.
Sabonis is officially listed as questionable with lower back soreness, an issue that’s kept him sidelined for the Kings’ last two games. He missed both the 112-93 loss to the Celtics and the 116-112 defeat to the Wizards, and his availability against Memphis remains uncertain. It’s a tough blow for Sacramento, especially with the trade deadline looming and Sabonis’ name swirling in the rumor mill.
The Kings’ big man has been a consistent presence on the injury report lately, and the back issue seems to be lingering. That’s not ideal timing, considering how central he is to Sacramento’s system - both as a scorer and as a hub for their offense. Whether or not he suits up tonight could depend on how his back responds closer to tip-off - or, potentially, whether he’s still on the roster by then.
Trade chatter has linked Sabonis to the Toronto Raptors, but they’re reportedly not the only team interested. Sacramento has already made one move this week, and with the deadline set for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, more could be on the way.
In that earlier deal, the Kings were part of a three-team trade with the Hawks and Cavaliers that brought in De’Andre Hunter - a player who was in the mix for Sixth Man of the Year last season. Hunter is averaging 14 points and 4.2 rebounds this year, and he gives Sacramento a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions and knock down shots. To make the move, the Kings sent Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, Dario Saric, and two future second-round picks to the Bulls.
So, what does this all mean for tonight?
If Sabonis plays, he’ll be doing so through discomfort. If he doesn’t, the Kings will need to lean even more on their newer pieces - and potentially adjust on the fly, depending on what happens before Thursday’s deadline. Either way, Sacramento is in the middle of a pivotal stretch, trying to stay competitive in the West while navigating a roster that’s clearly in flux.
As for the Grizzlies, they’re dealing with their own availability issues. Ja Morant remains out with a UCL sprain in his left elbow, and several players - including Kyle Anderson, Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, and Georges Niang - are all listed as out due to pending trades. Santi Aldama is questionable with a right knee issue, while Brandon Clarke continues to recover from a right calf strain.
On the Kings’ side, Keegan Murray is out with a left ankle sprain, adding another wrinkle to their rotation.
With both teams missing key contributors and the trade deadline hanging overhead, tonight's game is less about what’s on the floor and more about what’s about to happen off it. Sacramento is walking a tightrope - trying to stay in the playoff mix while also weighing major roster decisions. Whether Sabonis plays or not, his name will remain front and center until the deadline clock runs out.