The Sacramento Kings took home a massive win against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night, defeating them by a score of 113-103. The Kings pulled away with the victory despite star center Domantas Sabonis leaving the court in the early minutes due to a left hamstring issue.
Sabonis, 28, has rarely missed time since landing in California’s capital in 2022. Through 56 games this season, Sabonis has averaged 19.5 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while averaging 35.2 minutes.
After exiting preemptively against the Rockets, Sabonis was ruled out by the Kings ahead of their Monday matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. NBA fans took to social media to express their opinions on the Kings’ big man sitting out for just the fourth time this season.
(Via @ScottBrosnan1 | X): “I actually think they look much better without Sabonis on the floor.”
I actually think they look much better without Sabonis on the floor.
— Scott Brosnan (@ScottBrosnan1) March 3, 2025
(Via @RobbyL89 | X): “Sabonis being out might save the season”
Sabonis being out might save the season
— Robby Luttrell (@RobbyL89) March 3, 2025
(Via @All_Things_Mavs | X): “Sabonis being out tomorrow is a huge break for the Mavs.
Unfortunately, it may not be enough of one with the amount of injuries the Mavs are facing
They’re really gonna have to gut this one out.”
Sabonis being out tomorrow is a huge break for the Mavs
Unfortunately, it may not be enough of one with the amount of injuries the Mavs are facing
They’re really gonna have to gut this one out
— All Things Mavs (@All_Things_Mavs) March 2, 2025
(Via @chriskindafit | X): “Mavericks fans to kings fans who are sad about their elite big man being out”
Mavericks fans to kings fans who are sad about their elite big man being out https://t.co/DKfQ7mx1Zy pic.twitter.com/ildnrRQbTB
— Chris (@chriskindafit) March 2, 2025
(Via @PortPowerTX | X): “Hopefully, nothing too major.. Will suck not seeing him in the lineup at the AAC tomorrow; thankfully, we’ve got Jonas [Valanciunas] to step up.”
Hopefully, nothing too major.. Will suck not seeing him in the lineup at the AAC tomorrow; thankfully, we’ve got Jonas to step up. https://t.co/Fmo0palu0z
— East Texas Beamin’ 🔦🟣 (@PortPowerTX) March 3, 2025
Since the Kings will be without Sabonis, backup center and fellow Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas is expected to take the reins ahead of Monday’s matchup. Valanciunas was dealt to the Kings right before the NBA trade deadline, and the move seems to pay off every day for Sacramento.
The Mavericks will be without Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Liveley II against the Kings. The paint battle won’t be what fans expected, but could be a decisive factor for the winning team.
The Kings will tip off against the Mavericks at 5:30 p.m. PT on Monday in a Western Conference battle.
Follow Sacramento Kings on SI on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Kings news videos and live-stream podcasts!
Feb 13, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Mark Cuban laughs during the second half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat at American Airlines
The Boston Celtics are one of the teams who are expected to be a contender at the end of the season. They are the defending NBA champions, so they feel like the
Nikola Jokić is still rewriting the record books — and treating it like just another day at the office. In a 149-141 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns
The New York Knicks are one of the best teams in the NBA, but as of late, they have been defined more by their struggles than their triumphs.The Knicks are 0-7