News Summary
The Sacramento Kings will face a tough start to the season as All-Star center Domantas Sabonis is sidelined due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The injury, confirmed through an MRI after a preseason game, will keep him out for at least a week, affecting the team’s plans for upcoming games. With Sabonis missing the season opener and home opener, the Kings are exploring replacement options, while also dealing with other player injuries. Despite the setbacks, the team remains hopeful for Sabonis’s recovery and aims for a competitive start to the season.
Sacramento, CA — Sacramento Kings’ All-Star Center Domantas Sabonis Out with Hamstring Injury Amid Season Start
The Sacramento Kings will face challenges to begin their season as All-Star center Domantas Sabonis is sidelined due to a recent injury diagnosis. Sabonis sustained a Grade 1 hamstring strain during a preseason game and is expected to be out for at least a week, impacting the team’s plans for the upcoming games.
Details of Sabonis’ Injury and Timing
The injury was confirmed through an MRI scan performed after the preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 15. Sabonis, who is considered a key player for the Kings, will undergo re-evaluation in one week to determine his recovery progress. He will miss the season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday and the home opener against the Utah Jazz on Friday. The earliest return date for Sabonis could be October 26 when Sacramento hosts the Los Angeles Lakers.
Although classified as a minor injury, the hamstring strain has a notable impact on the Kings’ starting lineup. Sabonis also sat out the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers as a precaution. The team’s management remains optimistic about his recovery, but the absence leaves a gap in their lineup at a critical time of the season’s beginning.
Impact on the Team and Replacement Options
With Sabonis out, the Kings are testing multiple replacement options to fill the void. Among the players being considered are second-year center Isaac Jones, along with veterans Dario Saric and Drew Eubanks. During the preseason finale, head coach Doug Christie started Eubanks in place of Sabonis, and Eubanks responded with a solid contribution—scoring 10 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out four assists. The team continues to evaluate these options as they prepare for the season opener.
Additional Injuries and Team Outlook
The Kings have been navigating a series of injury setbacks. Besides Sabonis, Keegan Murray, a key power forward, is expected to be out for at least a month due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb. Murray missed the preseason finale as well, further complicating the team’s lineup options.
In addition to these injuries, other players faced health issues during preseason preparations. Malik Monk was ruled out due to illness, and DeMar DeRozan was sidelined with a groin injury. Despite these hurdles, Sacramento roster adjustments are ongoing, with the team seeking to maintain competitiveness early in the season.
Player Profiles and Team Strategy
Sabonis, in his latest season, averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and six assists per game. He has led the NBA in rebounding for three seasons consecutively and has consistently contributed at least 19 points per game over that time. His absence temporarily affects the Kings’ offensive and defensive schemes as they attempt to secure consistent results.
Future Outlook and Key Player Additions
This injury challenge comes as Sacramento aims to re-establish itself as a playoff contender after missing postseason play in four of the last five seasons. To bolster their roster, the team recently signed veteran Russell Westbrook, who is in his 18th NBA season and brings extensive experience to the squad. Westbrook’s addition is seen as a strategic move to offset injuries and provide leadership on the court.
Overall, the Kings are adjusting their game plan amidst a series of early-season injuries. The team remains optimistic about Sabonis’s recovery and their ability to compete despite the setback. The coming weeks will reveal how well the team can adapt to these challenges as they aim for a successful start to their season.
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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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