Domantas Sabonis Returns As Kings Face Wizards In Sacramento
The Sacramento Kings faithful had waited nearly two months for this moment: the return of their three-time All-Star big man, Domantas Sabonis. On Friday night, January 16, 2026, inside Golden 1 Center, Sabonis finally suited up after a grueling 27-game absence, taking the court against the visiting Washington Wizards. With the Kings riding a rare three-game winning streak and desperately seeking to keep their season afloat, all eyes were on the Lithuanian forward as he made his much-anticipated comeback from a partially torn meniscus in his left knee.
Sabonis’ journey back to the hardwood was anything but straightforward. The 6-foot-10 center had suffered the knee injury in November, forcing him to miss two months of action and leaving the Kings to navigate a tough stretch without their anchor in the paint. In his first 11 games before the injury, Sabonis averaged 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists—a stat line that cemented his status as one of the league’s most consistent big men. Those numbers also marked his seventh straight season of posting at least 17 points and 12 rebounds per game, a testament to his reliability and skill on both ends of the floor.
As Sabonis worked through his rehabilitation, speculation swirled about whether he would opt for surgery. Ultimately, he chose a conservative rehab approach, spending two months strengthening his knee and participating in team shootarounds before being officially upgraded to available for Friday’s contest. According to reports from ESPN and the NBA’s official injury report, Sabonis was listed as questionable leading up to the game, but the Kings’ medical staff cleared him just in time to bolster a roster that had been battered by injuries and inconsistency all season long.
When Sabonis finally checked in with 5:11 left in the first quarter, a wave of anticipation swept through the arena. The Kings, who had struggled mightily during his absence—posting just an 8-19 record over those 27 games—knew they needed their star’s presence in the paint. Yet, even with Sabonis in the lineup earlier this season, the team had managed only a 2-9 record in his 11 appearances. Still, few doubted that his return could help Sacramento string together more wins, especially with the easiest schedule remaining in the NBA and a chance to build momentum at home.
Head coach Doug Christie didn’t hide his excitement about getting Sabonis back. “I’m happy to have the big fella back, for sure,” Christie said before the game, echoing the sentiments of Kings fans everywhere. The coach faces some tough decisions now, particularly regarding the rotation of rookie centers Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell. With Sabonis back in the mix—even on a likely minutes restriction—Raynaud is expected to slide into a backup role, while Cardwell could see his playing time diminished despite his high energy and defensive prowess.
Sabonis’ return also has ripple effects beyond the court. Fantasy basketball enthusiasts have taken note, as his presence is expected to negatively impact the value of Raynaud and Precious Achiuwa. Nevertheless, as multiple outlets pointed out, Sabonis remains a must-start player whenever he’s active, even if his minutes are limited during his initial games back.
It’s not just Sabonis making headlines in Sacramento. The Kings welcomed back guard Dennis Schroder, who returned from a three-game suspension following an altercation with Lakers star Luka Doncic on December 28. The timing couldn’t be better, as the Kings are still without standout forward Keegan Murray and key guard Keon Ellis, both sidelined by injuries. Despite these setbacks, Sacramento has managed to win three straight games—each by double digits—against the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks, improving their record to 11-30. Those victories have given the team a much-needed boost as they embark on a crucial seven-game homestand.
The Kings’ recent hot streak has come against formidable opponents, but their path forward is considerably less daunting. After enduring the league’s toughest schedule so far, Sacramento now faces the easiest slate of games in the NBA. The hope among fans and team officials alike is that Sabonis’ return, combined with a more favorable schedule, can help the Kings claw their way back into playoff contention—or at least restore some pride to a season that has thus far fallen short of expectations.
Of course, Sabonis’ comeback is set against a backdrop of trade rumors and organizational change. The big man, now in his fifth season with the Kings and tenth in the NBA, is in the second year of a four-year, $186 million contract extension he signed in July 2023. He has three years and $136.3 million remaining on his deal. With new general manager Scott Perry at the helm, the Kings are reportedly open to discussing trades involving their veterans with high-priced contracts as the franchise pivots toward a potential rebuild. According to league sources cited by The Associated Press, Sabonis’ name could surface in trade talks ahead of the February 5 deadline.
The possibility of moving Sabonis is sure to spark debate among fans and analysts. On one hand, his production, leadership, and rebounding prowess are invaluable to a team striving to find its identity. On the other, the Kings’ disappointing record and the front office’s willingness to entertain offers for high-salary players suggest that no one is truly untouchable as the franchise looks to the future. For now, though, Sabonis is back where Kings fans want him: on the floor, battling for boards and orchestrating the offense from the high post.
Sabonis’ journey to Sacramento began in February 2022, when the Kings acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Indiana Pacers that sent Tyrese Haliburton the other way. Since then, he’s established himself as the Kings’ centerpiece, earning three All-Star nods and becoming the league’s premier rebounder. His return to action is not just a boost for the team’s on-court prospects—it’s a reminder of what’s possible when a star player perseveres through adversity and recommits to the grind.
As the Kings and Wizards tipped off at 7:00 p.m. PT in Sacramento, the energy in the building was palpable. Sabonis’ first minutes back may have come off the bench, and his workload might be carefully managed, but his presence alone has already injected fresh hope into a team and city hungry for success. Whether his return marks the start of a turnaround or simply a brief respite from a challenging season remains to be seen. What’s certain is that, for the Kings and their fans, having Domantas Sabonis back on the court is a victory in its own right—no matter what the final score says.
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