Sabonis Returns as Kings Eye Fourth Straight Win - But What’s the Long Game in Sacramento?
The Sacramento Kings are riding their longest winning streak of the season - three games - and they’re getting a major reinforcement tonight: Domantas Sabonis is back in the lineup. The veteran big man returns for the first time since mid-November, and his presence immediately shifts the dynamic for a team that’s been showing signs of life after a rough start.
Kings vs. Wizards: The Setup
- Who: Sacramento Kings (11-30) vs. Washington Wizards (10-30)
- Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
- When: 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET
- Watch: NBC Sports California / League Pass
Let’s be clear: this is a winnable game for Sacramento. Washington’s in the midst of its own rebuild, and the Kings, despite their record, have been playing with more cohesion of late. But the bigger story tonight isn’t about the opponent - it’s about Sabonis.
Sabonis’ Return: What Does It Mean?
Sabonis hasn’t suited up since November 16, and frankly, his early-season form wasn’t what we’ve come to expect from the All-Star center. His numbers were down across the board, and the eye test matched the stat sheet - he didn’t look like the same force we’ve seen since he arrived in Sacramento back in 2022. Age, a restructured roster, a new head coach, and unfamiliar backcourt chemistry have all played a role in that regression.
Now, after nearly two months away, Sabonis gets a fresh start. And with the trade deadline creeping closer, this stretch could be pivotal - not just for his individual bounce-back, but for what it means to the franchise.
If Sabonis can string together a strong run, Sacramento might have the opportunity to move him for younger pieces and future assets. For a team in transition, that’s a potential win on multiple levels.
The Rookie Who Stepped Up
In Sabonis’ absence, rookie center Maxime Raynaud stepped into the spotlight - and he didn’t disappoint. The Stanford product showed poise and promise, giving the Kings a glimpse of what the future could look like. He played with energy, rim protection, and a little bit of that modern big-man versatility.
But with Sabonis back, Raynaud’s minutes could take a significant hit. That’s the tradeoff Sacramento now faces: prioritizing development vs. leaning on veterans. It’s the classic rebuild dilemma, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Could head coach Doug Christie get creative and run Sabonis and Raynaud together in the frontcourt? It’s an intriguing idea - and one that could help balance the need to compete while still grooming young talent. But it would be a bold move, and we haven’t seen much inclination from the Kings’ staff to experiment in that way just yet.
The Draft Dilemma
Here’s where things get complicated. A week ago, Sacramento held the second-worst record in the NBA.
But three straight wins - and potentially a fourth tonight - could push them up to fifth in the standings. And while the lottery odds have flattened in recent years, there’s still a meaningful difference between picking second and picking fifth or sixth.
That’s the danger zone: being just good enough to miss out on elite draft talent, but not nearly good enough to make a playoff push. It’s the NBA’s version of purgatory - and right now, the Kings are teetering on the edge of it.
The schedule over the final 20-plus games is soft. If Sacramento doesn’t make a conscious decision to prioritize youth and long-term growth, they run the risk of stacking up just enough wins to hurt their draft position - without gaining anything of real substance in return.
What’s Next?
There’s still plenty of basketball left. But with Sabonis back, Raynaud waiting in the wings, and the trade deadline looming, Sacramento has some big decisions to make.
Are they trying to salvage this season? Or are they ready to lean into the future?
Tonight’s game against the Wizards won’t provide all the answers. But it will give us a clearer picture of where this team is headed - and how committed they are to the path that lies ahead.