January 16: Sabonis is expected to play on Friday, confirms Anthony Slater of ESPN.
January 15: Three-time All-Star center Domantas Sabonis was a full participant during Thursday’s practice and the Kings are optimistic he could return as soon as Friday’s game against Washington, reports Sean Cunningham of KCRA News (Twitter video link).
Sabonis will be listed as questionable for tomorrow’s contest vs. the Wizards, a league source tells James Ham of TheKingsBeat.com (Twitter link).
Sabonis, 29, has been out of action since November 16 due to a partially torn meniscus in his left knee. He has missed Sacramento’s last 27 games with the injury.
The Lithuanian big man has led the league in rebounds per game each of the past three seasons. In 11 games in 2025/26, Sabonis has averaged 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 33.2 minutes per contest.
The 11-30 Kings struggled mightily this season, but they’ve played better of late and are currently on their first three-game winning streak of the season. They’ve beaten three projected playoff teams — the Rockets, Lakers and Knicks — during the ongoing homestand, which wraps up next Wednesday against Toronto.
Sabonis’ name has popped up in several trade rumors this season with Sacramento near the bottom of the NBA’s standings — the Raptors have been the team most frequently linked to him. He’s on a lucrative long-term contract that runs through ’27/28.
Don’t rush him back now, if he could reinjure that knee. The season’s a bust as it is, play it safe and give him 2 more weeks to recover !!
The only reason I can see why they would bring him back is to show that he is ready and available before the trade deadline.
Because I would be inclined to give him a couple of more weeks myself.
A Sabonis deal is off the table until the offseason. He’s their best asset and on the largest contract.
You can keep expensive guys like Sabonis. You can’t keep expensive guys like LaVine.
My fantasy team approves of this message.
Adam Sandler voice WHOOPADEE DOOOO
Hopefully he’s fine then raptors get him with Schroder(for Quickley and Poetl).
Has SAC ever indicated that they’re open to moving Sabonis, or is it just assumed that SAC is open to moving any player on their roster?
SAC has not indicated anything about building a winner let alone keeping a star talent. They seem to trade or draft the wrong players.
Of course certain fans don’t want Sabonis traded because of where he could end up. It’s not on their team so they are frightened…
Kings need to realize they won’t make playoffs, and winning lowers chance at better draft spot