Mat Issa

Mat Issa

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Mat Issa is the Site Expert for A Royal Pain. Mat is based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He went to Michigan State University for seven years, earning his Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor. Now, he covers the NBA at large for Forbes, The Analyst, Basketball Insiders, and, of course, FanSided. His work has also been featured on ESPN, The Sporting News, and SB Nation, among other places. Yes, he spells his name with one "t."

Oct 9, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) defends against Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Jonathan Kuminga injury status and update ahead of Kings' game against the Warriors

Feb 6, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) looks to pass the ball during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Advanced metric reveals shocking truth about DeMar DeRozan

Feb 14, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts during a NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Lakers 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Former franchise icon mocks the current state of the Sacramento Kings

Feb 8, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Karlo Matkovic (17) fouls Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

1 Reason why the Sacramento Kings are in for a bumpy second half of the season

Oct 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Lonnie Walker IV (12) attempts a basket against Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona (30) during the second half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Recent signing shows that the Kings may have signed the wrong free agent

Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) dunks the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Zach LaVine tweet hints at potential return to his roots

Mar 3, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at KIA Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Markelle Fultz signing doubles down on a problem that could crush the Kings

Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) makes a jump shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Analyst says the Sacramento Kings can't win with these two players

Feb 13, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) reacts to a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Late game meltdown proves Sacramento offense not as good as it looks on paper

Dec 8, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) is congratulated by guard De'Aaron Fox (5) after making a three point basket against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Social media comments hint at bad breakup between Kings former star duo

Apr 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Kings add former first overall pick to try and save their below-average defense

Feb 8, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

All-Star weekend is yet another reminder that the NBA doesn't care about the Kings

Feb 8, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) drives in against Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

CJ McCollum injury status and update ahead of Kings' game against Pelicans

Feb 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown (11) reacts to being called for a foul against the New York Knicks during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

1 Player the Sacramento Kings need to prioritize over everyone on the buyout market

Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

How DeMar DeRozan got revenge for his snubbed teammate with one big bucket

Jan 25, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (22) talks with assistant coach Jim Moran prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Kings guard who has suffered most since the arrival of Zach LaVine