Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis Out at Least One Week

UPDATE: The Sacramento Kings have officially ruled All-Star center Domantas Sabonis out for at least the first two games of the regular season due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. This announcement comes just ahead of the Kings’ season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, and their highly anticipated home opener against the Utah Jazz on Friday, October 27, 2023.

Sabonis suffered the injury during a preseason loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last Wednesday night and was unable to participate in the preseason finale on Friday while undergoing further testing. Although the injury is considered minor, the Kings are taking precautions, making his earliest possible return on Sunday, October 29, 2023, for a home game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The impact of Sabonis’ absence is significant for the Kings, who are also dealing with injuries to fourth-year power forward Keegan Murray, sidelined for at least a month due to a torn UCL in his left thumb. As the Kings prepare for the season, they have been experimenting with second-year center Isaac Jones and veteran players Dario Saric and Drew Eubanks to fill the gaps left by these key injuries.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Kings will adapt to these challenges early in the season. With Sabonis out, the team’s offensive dynamics will be put to the test against a formidable Suns roster, raising questions about their playoff aspirations.

Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses and the Kings navigate this challenging start.