Domantas Sabonis Injury Update
Domantas Sabonis hurt his hamstring during a preseason game against the Clippers on Wednesday. He left the game in the second half and did not return. The Kings later said that an MRI showed a mild strain.
The team called it a Grade 1 strain. That means it’s the least serious kind of hamstring injury. Even so, Sabonis will miss the Kings’ final preseason game against the Lakers. He also skipped practice, though he’s traveling with the team.
There’s no confirmed date for his return. The Kings hope he’ll recover in time for their season opener on October 22 against the Phoenix Suns. But that depends on how his hamstring responds to rest and treatment.
Sabonis was strong before the injury. He had 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists in just 24 minutes against the Clippers. His absence is a big blow, especially since Keegan Murray is also out for a few more weeks after hand surgery.
Head coach Doug Christie said the team will wait and see how bad it is. Losing both Sabonis and Murray early would make the start of the season tough. The Kings face a tough first stretch that includes games against the Lakers, Nuggets, Bucks, Warriors, and Timberwolves.
If Sabonis misses time, Drew Eubanks will likely start at center. Eubanks has experience but doesn’t bring the same playmaking or scoring that Sabonis offers. Rookie Maxime Raynaud could also get a chance, as he fits better with how the Kings like to move the ball and space the floor.
This is the second time Sabonis has dealt with a hamstring issue. He had a similar mild strain last season and missed about two weeks. That gives fans some hope that he might return quickly.
The Kings built their offense around Sabonis. He’s their top rebounder and one of their best passers. Without him, they’ll have to adjust how they move the ball and run their plays.
Sacramento traded for Sabonis in 2022, and he’s been key to their progress. He averaged 20.1 points, nearly 14 rebounds, and six assists last season. His shooting from three and the field made him one of the most efficient big men in the league.
For now, it’s about patience. A mild hamstring injury still needs careful recovery. The team doesn’t want to rush him and risk making it worse. The Kings will rely on depth and teamwork while Sabonis heals.
He’s not expected to miss a long stretch, but every game counts early in a tough Western Conference. If all goes well, he could be back by the start or within the first week of the regular season. The Kings will share more updates in the coming days as doctors monitor his progress.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is based on the latest available updates. The recovery timeline for Domantas Sabonis is subject to change depending on his progress. Fans and stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated with official team announcements for the most accurate information.
