Sabonis returns vs. Wizards after 27-game absence

Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis returned Friday against the Washington Wizards.

Sabonis was not in the starting lineup but is available off the bench, the team announced.

Sabonis hasn't played since Nov. 26, when he experienced knee soreness following the Kings' loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The three-time All-Star was later diagnosed with a partially torn meniscus in his left knee and missed the next 27 games.

Sabonis is averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 11 appearances this season.

Precious Achiuwa and rookie Maxime Raynaud received increased minutes during Sabonis' absence.

Sacramento, which went 8-19 with Sabonis out of the lineup, sits 14th in the Western Conference, though the team is riding a three-game win streak.

While Sabonis is under contract through the 2027-28 campaign, Kings general manager Scott Perry is open to trading all of his highest-paid veterans, sources told Slater.