Kings Injury Updates: Sabonis Questionable, Westbrook and Hunter Set to Return vs. Grizzlies
The Sacramento Kings are heading into a three-game homestand with some encouraging news on the injury front - and just in time, too. With the Memphis Grizzlies coming to town Wednesday, the Kings could be getting a few key reinforcements back in the lineup.
Let’s start with Domantas Sabonis. The All-Star big man is officially listed as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup, but there’s reason for optimism.
Sabonis was a full participant in Tuesday’s practice after missing the last two games, first sitting out against Boston for left knee injury management, then being a late scratch against Washington due to lower back soreness. The fact that he’s practicing at full speed is a strong indicator he’s trending in the right direction - and that’s huge for a Kings team that leans heavily on his playmaking and interior presence.
Another potential boost: Russell Westbrook is expected to be available after missing the last three games with a right foot contusion. He was also a full participant in Tuesday’s session, signaling he’s ready to return to the rotation.
Before the injury, Westbrook had been providing valuable veteran leadership and energy off the bench. His return should help stabilize the backcourt, especially with Dennis Schroder now out of the picture following Saturday’s trade.
Speaking of that trade - one of the newest Kings, De’Andre Hunter, is set to make his debut. Hunter was acquired in a three-team deal that sent Schroder and Keon Ellis to the Cavaliers and moved Dario Saric to the Bulls. The versatile forward brings size, defense, and scoring ability on the wing - and he’s already getting acclimated, having gone through Tuesday’s practice without limitations.
As for Keegan Murray, the second-year forward remains sidelined with a left ankle sprain that’s kept him out since January 4. He’s missed 14 straight games, but the Kings say he’s progressing and has been cleared for on-court work.
Still, the team will reevaluate him in two weeks, which likely means Murray won’t be back until after the All-Star break. It’s a cautious approach, but one that makes sense given his importance to Sacramento’s long-term outlook.
With the trade deadline looming on Thursday, Sabonis’s name has floated around in some rumors, but for now, the focus is on getting him back on the floor. The Kings have been treading water without him, and getting both him and Westbrook back - while integrating Hunter - could give this squad the spark it needs heading into a critical stretch.
Rookie guard Nique Clifford got the start at point guard in Sunday’s win over the Wizards, a sign of how thin the Kings have been in the backcourt. With Westbrook returning, expect Clifford to slide back into a more limited role - though his recent minutes have shown he’s not afraid of the moment.
Bottom line: Sacramento’s injury report is finally moving in the right direction. If Sabonis is able to suit up and Westbrook and Hunter return as expected, the Kings will be much closer to full strength - and that could make all the difference as they look to climb the Western Conference standings.