The Sacramento Kings shared news their fans did not want to hear. Domantas Sabonis will be out even longer than expected, and the timing makes things tougher. The Kings are already sliding in the standings, and now their three-time All-Star big man must wait weeks before returning.
His importance to this group is massive, and this update changes a lot for Sacramento as they try to stay alive in a season drifting the wrong way.
Domantas Sabonis Injury Update Raises Big Concerns for Struggling Kings
Senior NBA insider Michael Scotto posted the major update on X:
“Sacramento Kings say Domantas Sabonis will be re-evaluated in 4-5 weeks as he continues to progress through his rehabilitation for a partial meniscus tear in his left knee.”
That single update hits hard. Sabonis was already expected to miss time. The original hope was three to four weeks. Now that the timeline has stretched to four to five more weeks. This changes everything for a Kings team already fighting for air in the Western Conference.
The Kings have been in a free fall. They are 6-21 and sit in the 13th spot. They have lost eight of their last ten games, including an ongoing four-game losing streak. Losing their top playmaker in the frontcourt only makes the slide tougher to stop.
Sabonis has already dealt with several injuries this year. He missed the season opener with a hamstring strain. He later sat out with a rib issue. Then came the knee problem. After feeling soreness around November 16, tests showed a partial meniscus tear. Now the team has confirmed the long wait continues.
Before the injury, Sabonis was averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 11 games while shooting 51% from the field.
This injury update arrives at a bad time, because the Kings are not only losing games. Trade rumors are heating up. Reports suggest the Kings could be sellers before the deadline, and Sabonis continues to be a name discussed in those talks.
He is still under a four-year, $186 million contract with $42.3 million owed this season. That contract brings pressure, and injuries further complicate things if the Kings decide to put their 6’10” center in the market.
Without Sabonis, the Kings lose their steady scoring, their top rebounder, and a major creator in the offense. It is not just about numbers. He controls pace and gives structure. That disappears while he recovers.
The Kings play the Portland Trail Blazers next on Saturday, Dec. 20, and every game matters now. The Kings must find answers fast.
