Domantas Sabonis (illness) misses practice before Kings vs. Spurs

The Sacramento Kings’ playoff push is set to begin on Thursday night, but the ‘Beam Team’ could be without a critical piece when they take the floor at Golden 1 Center.

Kings center Domantas Sabonis did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to illness, putting the three-time All-Star’s status against the San Antonio Spurs up in the air just over 24 hours away from tip-off.

While Sabonis was unavailable, De’Aaron Fox was active and looked unimpacted by a shoulder injury that the guard addressed on Tuesday.

Domantas Sabonis did not participate in today’s practice due to illness.

His status for tomorrow will be updated later today.

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) February 21, 2024

More on Domantas Sabonis

According to the the NBA’s injury report database, Sabonis is listed as doubtful for Thursday’s game.

Sabonis has been somewhat of an iron man for Sacramento since being acquired in 2022, as the 27-year-old has suited up for 148 of 162 (91%) possible regular season games.

If Sabonis is unable to go against the Spurs, head coach Mike Brown will likely call on reserve big Alex Len as the starter, while JaVale McGee and Trey Lyles would see an increase in playing time depending on the matchup situation.

With 7’4 rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama set to make his Golden 1 Center debut, the loss of Sabonis could loom large on Thursday–especially when you factor in how well the 20-year-old has played over the past 20 games:

22.9 PTS | 9.9 REB | 1.1 STL | 3.3 BLK | 50% FG | 35% 3PT | 27.0 MIN

In the only meeting between the two teams this season on November 17th, Sabonis and Wembanyama each finished the night with 27 points, while Sabonis’ 14 rebounds and seven assists helped lead the Kings to a 129-120 win in San Antonio.

Wembanyama currently leads the NBA in blocks (156), blocks per game (3.2), and most games with 5+ blocks (12). If Sabonis is unable to go, Sacramento could look to cause most of their damage from the perimeter on Thursday night.

The Kings (30th) and Spurs (26th) have both struggled to contain their opponents’ three-point shooting this season, but the potential absence of Sabonis could increase Sacramento’s efforts from three-point range against Wembanyama and a Spurs defense that is ranked fourth in blocks per game.

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will enter the All-Star break looking to rest and recover for the final stretch of the regular season.

Once the Kings return from the week-long break, they will face rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs–owner of the worst record in the Western Conference–on Thursday, February 22nd, at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Spurs coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.

Upcoming Schedule

• NBA All-Star break – February 15-21
• Thursday, February 22nd – Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM PST
• Sunday, February 25th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers – 6:30 PM PST
• Monday, February 26th – Sacramento Kings vs. Miami Heat – 7:00 PM PST
• Wednesday, February 28th – Sacramento Kings @ Denver Nuggets – 6:00 PM PST
• Friday, March 1st – Sacramento Kings @ Minnesota Timberwolves – 5:00 PM PST

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