Domantas Sabonis is finally set to return for the Sacramento Kings. He has not suited up since November 16th against the Spurs.

What happened?

The Kings have been dealing with injuries throughout the season, including Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray.

Why it matters for Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis was at the center of Sacramento snapping a long playoff drought a few seasons ago. He made his third All-Star game back in 2022-23, helping the team snap a 16-year playoff drought.

The big man was playing at an extremely high level, proving to be one of the best rebounders in the league, and putting up triple-doubles on the regular, averaging 7-8 assists per contest.

What comes next?

Domantas Sabonis will finally return against the Wizards on Friday night. His first test in two months will be to try and slow big man Alex Sarr, who has been one of the premier shot blockers in his second campaign.

The playmaking will now be even better for Sacramento. Sabonis was the Kings' motor, and now he and Russell Westbrook will be able to finally play off of one another.

And with Dennis Schroder also poised to return from his 3-game suspension, the Kings are looking to build on their three-game winning streak.

The team riding a three-game winning streak as he comes back is certainly good news. A three-game winning streak is a very big deal after an 8-30 start.

For a team like the Kings who plan to make wholesale changes at the deadline, players will have more value when playing better ball prior to the trade.

As a team, this is a forgettable campaign already. But for the guys slated to be moved, this is a big opportunity. Sabonis himself is on the trade market, and strong play over the next two weeks could land him in an ideal situation.

Having your star center in the lineup generally makes you a better basketball team. Domantas Sabonis will bring his playmaking skills back to the lineup, and increase his trade value.

The Lithuanian center was a big part of this season’s vision, so having him miss 30 of the first 41 games certainly made things a bit tougher.

As Sabonis finally takes the floor, keep an eye on any potential rust. He may also just come back in his prime form. Whatever the case, it’s huge for Sacramento. It will make them better today.

Maxime Raynaud has been able to step in and take the starting center role in Sabonis' absence. He has had opportunities he wasn’t expected to, while Dylan Cardwell has been showing out of late, a big rim-protector and glass cleaner.

Sabonis is going to help elevate the play of everybody around him, now that he’s back. He and Russell Westbrook have been elite passers and playmakers for a long time, so there is real value in having the two together.

The Kings are looking to build on their momentum, and with Domantas Sabonis back in the lineup, they have a good chance of doing so.