Domantas Sabonis Nearing Return as Kings Catch Fire Mid-Homestand
There’s a buzz building in Sacramento, and it’s not just because the Kings are finally stringing wins together. After missing two months with a partially torn meniscus in his left knee, Domantas Sabonis is on the verge of returning to the court - and the timing couldn’t be better.
Sabonis was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, and there’s growing optimism he could suit up as early as Friday night when the Kings host the Wizards at Golden 1 Center. That would mark his first game action since November 16, when he went down in a loss to the Spurs. Since then, the Kings have had to navigate life without their All-Star anchor in the middle - and it hasn’t been easy.
But lately? There’s been a shift.
Sacramento is riding its first three-game winning streak of the season, picking up quality wins against the Rockets, Lakers, and Knicks. It’s the kind of momentum that’s been elusive this year for a team that now sits at 11-30. Friday’s matchup with Washington is game four of a season-long seven-game homestand, and getting Sabonis back in the mix could be the jolt this team needs to keep the good vibes rolling.
Before the injury, Sabonis was doing what he does best - putting up double-doubles and serving as the offensive hub for Sacramento. In 11 games, he averaged 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
The shooting numbers were uncharacteristically low - just 21% from the field and 20% from three - but those figures don’t tell the full story. Even when the shot isn’t falling, Sabonis impacts the game in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet: setting hard screens, quarterbacking the offense from the high post, and cleaning the glass with relentless energy.
In his absence, the Kings turned to rookie Maxime Raynaud, a second-round pick who’s held his own in the starting role. Raynaud has been a pleasant surprise, averaging 10.5 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting a solid 56.3% from the field.
He’s shown flashes of potential, especially with his touch around the rim and his willingness to battle on the boards. His 30.8% clip from deep adds a stretch element that’s still developing but promising.
And it’s not just Raynaud stepping up. Two-way big man Dylan Cardwell has carved out a role as a high-energy contributor off the bench.
The undrafted rookie has appeared in 14 games, averaging 4.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in just under 18 minutes a night. He’s been a shot-blocking presence and a spark plug - the kind of guy who can swing momentum with a chase-down rejection or a put-back dunk.
Still, there’s no replacing what Sabonis brings to the floor. He’s a two-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Third Team selection for a reason. His return would not only stabilize the frontcourt but also allow the younger bigs to slide back into more natural roles - and continue their development without being overextended.
The Kings have been fighting to stay afloat in a tough Western Conference, and while the record isn’t pretty, the recent stretch has shown signs of life. With Sabonis potentially back in the fold and the team finally clicking, Sacramento has a real chance to build something here.
Friday night could mark a turning point - not just for Sabonis, but for a Kings team that’s hungry to make noise in the second half of the season.