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."

Jan 19, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) and guard De'Aaron Fox (5) celebrate during pregame introductions before the game against the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Breaking Down Sacramento Kings' Second-Half Schedule: Opportunities and Challenges

Jan 19, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) reacts to a missed shot against the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Kings trade deadline plans are unclear despite strong stretch

Jan 19, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr (20) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

One category no one expected Domantas Sabonis to lead the league in

Jan 19, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings interim head coach Doug Christie calls out to his team during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

How the NBA's tax aprons could affect Sacramento Kings' Trade Deadline plans

Dec 19, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Report puts Sacramento Kings' chances of landing Cam Johnson in serious doubt

Jan 5, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) between plays during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

What is NBA Rivals Week? Explaining the history and games

Jan 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) brings the ball down court in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Keon Ellis injury status and update ahead of Kings' game against Washington Wizards

Dec 30, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) shoots against Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams (10) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Ankle injury may have fixed the jumper of this struggling young star

Nov 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) protects the basketball from Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Grade the trade pitch: Sacramento Kings end the Jimmy Butler saga

Jan 10, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Malik Monk injury status and update ahead of Kings' game against Houston Rockets

Jan 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

This fan favorite is now eligible to be traded by the Sacramento Kings

Jan 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) reacts after a foul call in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Sacramento Kings get brutal reminder that they are far from the perfect team

Jan 10, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) and guard Malik Monk (0) react after defeating the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The key ingredient that's fueling the Sacramento Kings' magical turnaround

Jan 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) gestures against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

De'Aaron Fox injury status and update ahead of Kings' game against Milwaukee Bucks

Jan 5, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (22) drives in against Golden State Warriors guard Dennis Schroder (71) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

It took Devin Carter just 4 games to prove he can make an impact in crucial area

Jan 10, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) drives the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Sacramento Kings have a Keon Ellis problem that must be fixed immediately