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."

Mar 19, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) gestures after scoring against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Chet Holmgren injury status and update ahead of Kings' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder

Feb 1, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA Playoff bracket if the season ended today: Best case scenario for Kings isn't that great

Jan 3, 2025; Gilbert, AZ, USA; Mike Bibby in attendance of the CIA Bella Vista (AZ) game against Arizona Compass Prep during the Hoophall West High School Invitational at Highland High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Legendary Sacramento Kings guard lands Division I head coaching gig

Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The surprise return of All-NBA big man decreases Kings' Play-In odds

Mar 22, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings interim head coach Doug Christie talks to media members before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

This stealthy strategy is still on the table for the Sacramento Kings

Mar 20, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Malik Monk injury status and update ahead of Kings' game against the Boston Celtics

Mar 20, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Jake LaRavia (33) looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Jake LaRavia problem the Kings only have 1 solution to

Feb 5, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) looks on during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Kings receive positive update ahead of do or die game

April 17, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver during the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs between the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The NBA decides to finally start showing the Sacramento Kings some love

Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Zach LaVine injury status and update ahead of Kings' game against the Bulls

Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (22) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Devin Carter shows why he should never ride the bench again

Feb 21, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during player introductions before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Domantas Sabonis injury status and update ahead of Kings' game against the Cavaliers

Sep 30, 2024; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings general manager Monte McNair during media day at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Kings add unorthodox forward in order to meet league requirements

Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sacramento Kings receive devastating news ahead of monumental matchup

Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Keon Ellis deserves All-Defense love (despite rule change preventing it)

Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) and forward Keegan Murray (13) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tweet offers unexpected perspective on Murray's underwhelming junior season