NBA Notes: Kings, Domantas Sabonis, Bulls, Matas Buzelis, Blazers

Kings

Domantas Sabonis might be back sooner than expected.

The Kings’ All-Star center, who missed the opener in Phoenix with a right hamstring strain, has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s home game against Utah, per Sean Cunningham of NBC Sacramento.

Sabonis was spotted taking jumpers at Thursday’s practice, a good sign considering he was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain less than a week ago.

Sacramento’s frontcourt has taken a hit early, with Keegan Murray recovering from thumb surgery and rookie Nique Clifford now sidelined with his own hamstring injury.

Clifford, the 24th pick in this year’s draft, left his NBA debut after 24 minutes and will miss at least four games, according to Brenden Nunes of Sactown Sports 1140.

It’s a tough break for the rookie, who earned First Team All-Summer League honors and impressed during preseason play.

With Sabonis out Wednesday, the Kings used Drew Eubanks, Dylan Cardwell, and Maxime Raynaud in a center-by-committee approach.

They’ll gladly welcome their anchor back if he’s cleared Friday.

Bulls

Matas Buzelis is setting his sights high. The second-year forward said (via The Chicago Tribune’s Julia Poe) that he wants to make an All-Defensive Team and compete for Most Improved Player — but insists he’s focused on team success first.

“I think I can be a go-to guy,” Buzelis said. “But it comes down to whatever the team needs to win. If it’s not my night, I’ll rebound, defend, do the little things.”

Head coach Billy Donovan believes that mindset is what will separate Buzelis from others his age.

“He has not arrived,” Donovan said. “But he’s got an unbelievable runway to be outstanding if he keeps his drive and humility.”

Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers’ ownership transfer to Tom Dundon is taking shape.

According to Front Office Sports’ Alex Schiffer, the sale will occur in multiple stages, with Dundon set to become majority owner in March once the first transaction closes.

A second deal — transferring the remaining shares from the Allen estate — will follow later.

The structure mirrors the Celtics’ sale earlier this year, which also involved staggered payments. The franchise’s valuation reportedly sits around $4.25 billion.

Dundon and minority partner Sheel Tyle attended Wednesday’s season opener in Portland.

The mood shifted quickly, though, as head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested Thursday and placed on leave amid federal gambling allegations.