The Sacramento Kings were defeated on Wednesday, losing 120-116 to the Phoenix Suns to begin the 2025-26 campaign. Domantas Sabonis did not play as he continues to battle back from a right hamstring injury. Although Sacramento almost defeated Phoenix, Sabonis' presence was still missed. The Kings are hopeful that he can return soon and have a big overall season.
On Friday night, the Kings will host the Utah Jazz. According to the NBA injury report, Sabonis is listed as questionable to play with a right hamstring strain. Meanwhile, Nique Clifford and Keegan Murray are both out with injuries. Utah will be without Isaiah Collier and Georges Niang due to injuries as well.
Sabonis suffered his hamstring injury before the regular season. The fact that he is listed as questionable is certainly encouraging. Sacramento is going to be cautious -- so there are no guarantees that the star big man will be available on Friday evening. However, there is a chance with his status uncertain at the moment.
How Kings played vs. Suns without Domantas Sabonis
The Suns took care of business at home on Wednesday. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 31 points. For the Kings, Zach LaVine scored 30 points while DeMar DeRozan added 29. Malik Monk scored 19 points and Dennis Schroder contributed 14 points and seven assists. It was not their best defensive performance, but the Kings' offense kept them in the contest.
Sacramento's outlook is uncertain this season. There is a realistic chance of the Kings competing for a play-in spot, but it also is not difficult to envision them missing the postseason altogether. Wednesday's performance suggests that Domantas Sabonis could make the Kings a contender, however.
Still, even with Sabonis, Sacramento likely is not going to make a deep postseason run. The Western Conference features no shortage of talent and the Kings will have a difficult time matching up against the best teams in the conference. Nevertheless, Sacramento could upset expectations if the team's stars play up to their full potential.
Kings fans will want to closely monitor updates on Domantas Sabonis' injury status ahead of the matchup against the Jazz. Whether he ends up playing or not, it seems as if the big man could be nearing a return from injury.
Friday night's tip-off is scheduled for 10 PM EST as the Kings hope to earn their first victory of the new season.