Kings Welcome Back Domantas Sabonis Amid Struggles Ahead of Thunder Matchup

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings, currently treading water with a 35-35 record, are gearing up to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, and they received a significant boost from the return of star center Domantas Sabonis.

Sabonis is coming back to the lineup after missing five consecutive games due to an ankle sprain incurred during a March 17 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Kings have struggled during his absence, winning just one of three games. In addition to the ankle injury, Sabonis had previously dealt with a hamstring strain that sidelined him for six games starting March 1.

“It’s great to have him back,” said Kings head coach Mike Brown. “We have missed his presence on the floor, and I know he’s excited to help turn this thing around as the regular season winds down.”

Sabonis has played a crucial role for the Kings this season, averaging 19.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game with shooting splits of 59.3% from the field, 42.5% from three-point range, and 74.8% from the free-throw line. The Kings are a mere 4-8 when he does not play, underscoring his importance to the team’s success.

The announcement of Sabonis’s return comes despite initial expectations that he would be re-evaluated in ten days after the injury occurred. His ability to recover in just six days highlights his dedication and potential impact on the Kings’ playoff ambitions.

The matchup against the Thunder is critical, as they are competing for playoff positioning. The Kings must leverage Sabonis’s talents, particularly with only 12 games remaining in the regular season. The game is set to tip-off at 7 p.m. PST in Sacramento.

Meanwhile, the Thunder have been formidable opponents, recently achieving their 60th victory of the season. They maintained their dominance despite missing several key players, including Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Aaron Wiggins, relying instead on the rising stars Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 32 points in their latest outing against the Kings.

“Our ability to refocus was pivotal in the third,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said after their recent 121-105 victory over Sacramento. “A game like this demonstrates our resilience and depth, especially during tough stretches.”

As the Kings hope to regain their footing in the playoff race, the return of Sabonis will be crucial. His recent history of injuries has made the Kings’ third-place position in the Western Conference precarious, as teams like the Thunder are breathing down their necks.

With the intensity of the playoffs approaching, both teams are aware that every game offers an opportunity to solidify their standings. The Kings will look to channel Sabonis’s energy to weather the challenges ahead in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.