The Sacramento Kings’ play-in push just hit a major roadblock. Head coach Doug Christie will be without his All-NBA big man, Domantas Sabonis, when they take on the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, March 19.
The three-time All-Star suffered a right ankle sprain during the Monday night, March 17 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, adding to a brutal night where he also needed stitches above his eye. Now, the Kings must face one of the NBA’s best teams without their cornerstone.
Domantas Sabonis Ruled Out for at Least 10 Days
Sabonis’ troubles started less than three minutes into Monday’s 132-122 win over the Grizzlies. He collided with Luke Kennard’s head, leaving him with a deep cut that caused blood to stream down his face. Forced to the locker room, he returned in the second quarter after receiving stitches.
But just as it seemed he had shaken it off, disaster struck again. Early in the third quarter, Sabonis went up for a layup, landed on Jaylen Wells’ foot, and badly rolled his right ankle. He immediately grabbed his leg in pain before limping toward the tunnel, collapsing on his way to the locker room.
While the Kings initially ruled him out for the rest of the game, at the time, it was unclear how long he would be sidelined.
Kings star center Domantas Sabonis (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday’s home game vs Cavs.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops)
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania provided an update confirming that Sabonis won’t return for at least 10 days.
“Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis will miss at least 10 days with a right ankle sprain,” Charania said. “The NBA’s leading rebounder returned last week after sitting for six straight games and will now miss additional time. Kings are 3-6 without Sabonis.”
Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis will miss at least 10 days with a right ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN. The NBA's leading rebounder returned last week after sitting for six straight games, and will now miss additional time. Kings are 3-6 without Sabonis.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
Sacramento has struggled without Sabonis this season, posting a .333 winning percentage in his absence. With just 15 games left in Sacramento’s regular season schedule, every win is critical in the tight Western Conference playoff race.
How Will the Kings Cope Without Their Star Forward?
Sabonis isn’t just another player — he’s the heart of the Kings’ offense, averaging 19.2 points, a league-best 13.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. His absence leaves a gaping hole in Sacramento’s lineup, forcing them to rely on a mix of veterans and young talent to stay competitive.
To help offset the loss, the Kings signed forward Terry Taylor to a 10-day contract on Tuesday, March 18. Taylor, who has been lighting it up for Sacramento’s NBA G League affiliate in Stockton, Calif., is averaging 17.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 28 games.
Meanwhile, Jonas Valančiūnas is expected to step into the starting lineup. In six starts for the Kings this season, he’s averaged 12 points and 12.2 rebounds — solid numbers but nowhere near what Sabonis brings to the table.
The scoring burden will now fall on DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine; the two lead the Kings in points per game in Sacramento’s games without De’Aaron Fox this season (23.5 and 22.7 points, respectively) and will need to step up in a big way against a Cavaliers squad that has dominated all season.
Sacramento’s playoff hopes are still alive, but without Sabonis for at least the next 10 days, the road ahead just got tougher. His status beyond that remains unclear, but the Kings will be hoping for a quick recovery as they try to secure their spot in the postseason.
