Domantas Sabonis has been a steady performer for the Sacramento Kings since arriving in a trade for Tyrese Haliburton, and despite all the speculation, the star big man continues to thrive.
However, Sabonis has now sustained an injury, and with the team already facing early-season challenges, this setback could prove difficult to overcome in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Domantas Sabonis Set To Miss Several Weeks Following Knee Injury
Through his first 11 games of the season, Sabonis has contributed across the board, averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, with a decrease in responsibilities leading to a drop in assists. However, the team is struggling mightily, starting 3-12 with many already counting them out in a loaded Western Conference.
Now, bad news on Sabonis has been confirmed, as he missed the Kings’ last game, and NBA insider Shams Charania is reporting he has suffered a partially torn meniscus in his left knee. There’s no official timeline for his return, but according to Charania, he will be re-evaluated by the team in three to four weeks.
Sacramento Kings star center Domantas Sabonis has suffered a partially torn meniscus in his left knee and will be re-evaluated in 3-to-4 weeks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/HBcFQSuw7o
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 20, 2025
This is a particularly tough blow for the struggling Kings, as Sabonis represents the lone star in their frontcourt. In his absence, the team is expected to rely on Drew Eubanks and Precious Achiuwa as its primary options at center. However, neither player has averaged more than 15 points per game in their careers, and for a team currently ranked 24th in the league at 112.0 points per game, the loss is substantial.
For now, there is optimism that Sabonis could be sidelined for only a month or two, but if the injury proves more serious, it could crush any hopes of salvaging the 2025–26 season.
Over his three seasons with Sacramento, Sabonis has appeared in 79, 82, and 70 games, respectively, and this could represent the first serious injury of his 10-year NBA career, which has included stints in Oklahoma City, Indiana, and now Sacramento.
Kings fans now have to keep an eye on potential moves, as the organization was already considering a rebuild, potentially dealing players such as DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.
While it may be premature to declare the season lost just 15 games in, the Kings’ current position at 14th in the Western Conference, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Sabonis’ health, presents a daunting challenge.
