News Summary
The Sacramento Kings face a challenging start to their NBA season as All-Star center Domantas Sabonis is sidelined due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. This injury, confirmed via MRI after their preseason game, will keep Sabonis from playing in the early season games against the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz. His absence, compounded by other player injuries, places additional strain on the team’s lineup. Coach Doug Christie is exploring different player combinations to mitigate these challenges as they begin their quest for playoff contention.
Sacramento, CA — Sacramento Kings’ All-Star Center Domantas Sabonis Out with Hamstring Injury
The Sacramento Kings will start their upcoming NBA season without Domantas Sabonis, their star center, who has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The injury was confirmed through an MRI taken after the team’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 15. Despite being classified as a minor strain, the injury will prevent Sabonis from participating in the team’s first few games.
Impact on the Season Opener and Early Schedule
Sabonis is set to miss the season opener scheduled for Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns and their home opener on Friday versus the Utah Jazz. The earliest possible return for Sabonis could be for a game on October 26 against the Los Angeles Lakers, but he will be re-evaluated in a week to determine progress. His absence will be felt as he is a key player for the Kings, especially to start the season on a strong note.
Injury Details and Preseason Absences
The injury to Sabonis was caused during the preseason, which also led to his missing the preseason finale against the Lakers. The MRI results confirmed the diagnosis, and he will undergo regular check-ups to monitor recovery. Sabonis’s status adds to the team’s challenges as they prepare for their upcoming schedule.
Other Key Player Injuries and Rotation Adjustments
Alongside Sabonis, the Kings are also dealing with injuries to other players. Keegan Murray, a key power forward, is expected to be out for at least a month due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. The team has begun testing several replacements for Sabonis and Murray, including second-year center Isaac Jones, veteran Dario Saric, and Drew Eubanks.
In the preseason finale, coach Doug Christie started Eubanks in place of Sabonis, and Eubanks contributed with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists. The team’s coaching staff is actively experimenting with different lineups to fill the void left by injured starters.
Performance and Role of Sabonis Last Season
Last season, Sabonis averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and six assists per game. He led the NBA in rebounding for three consecutive seasons and consistently scored at least 19 points each year. His all-around play has been a cornerstone for the Kings’ recent rebuilding efforts and their pursuit of returning to the playoffs after missing out in four of the past five seasons.
Additional Injury Challenges and Team Dynamics
The Kings’ injury issues extend beyond Sabonis and Murray. Other players, like Malik Monk, were ruled out of the preseason finale due to illness, while DeMar DeRozan was sidelined with a groin injury. These setbacks complicate the team’s preparations and strategy as they seek cohesion and consistency early in the season.
New Additions and Future Outlook
The team has also signed Russell Westbrook, a former Kia MVP, who will be participating in his 18th NBA season. His experience and skillset are expected to bolster the Kings’ guard rotation and provide veteran leadership as they navigate the season’s early challenges.
The Kings remain optimistic about their prospects, but the loss of Sabonis at the start of the season underscores the importance of depth and versatility in their roster. With ongoing evaluations and adjustments, Sacramento aims to mitigate the impact of injuries and maintain competitive performance as they strive for a return to postseason play.
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Additional Resources
- NBA.com
- Sacramento Bee
- ESPN
- USA Today
- The Star
- Wikipedia: Domantas Sabonis
- Google Search: Domantas Sabonis
- Google Scholar: Domantas Sabonis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domantas Sabonis
- Google News: Domantas Sabonis injury
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
