Sabonis Out at Least One Week Due to Hamstring Strain

URGENT UPDATE: The Sacramento Kings have officially confirmed that All-Star center Domantas Sabonis will be unavailable for at least the first two games of the regular season due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. This announcement comes as a significant blow to the Kings’ lineup just days before their season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 25, 2023.

Sabonis sustained the injury during a preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers last Wednesday and subsequently did not play in the team’s final preseason game on Friday while undergoing evaluations. Although the strain is classified as minor, the Kings are proceeding with caution, sidelining Sabonis for the critical opening games, including their home opener against the Utah Jazz on October 27, 2023. The earliest he could return is for a home game on October 26, 2023, against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Kings already face challenges as they will also be without fourth-year power forward Keegan Murray, who is expected to miss at least a month due to a torn UCL in his left thumb. Coach Mike Brown has been experimenting with second-year center Isaac Jones and veterans Dario Saric and Drew Eubanks to fill the gaps left by both injuries during the preseason.

This developing situation raises concerns about the Kings’ depth heading into the new season and how they will adapt without two key players. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring the team’s performance in these crucial early games.

Stay tuned for updates as the Kings prepare to face the Suns and navigate this challenging start to the season.