The Sacramento Kings received both promising and concerning updates about star player Domantas Sabonis’s injury following Wednesday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers—here’s what you need to know. And this is the part most people miss: the outcome could influence not just this season but the team’s future trajectory.
On Thursday, a league insider revealed to The Sacramento Bee that an MRI had confirmed Sabonis suffered a mild strain in his right hamstring. While this is not a severe injury, it does mean Sabonis will sit out the upcoming preseason finale on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. The good news is that the injury appears to be less serious than initially feared, sparing the Kings from a potentially devastating setback.
If Sabonis’s injury had been more severe, it could have been a critical blow to a team already facing hurdles. Sacramento is currently missing Keegan Murray, who is expected to be out for four to six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. With Murray sidelined, losing Sabonis even temporarily would have left a significant gap in their lineup, especially as they prepare for the season opener against the Phoenix Suns next Wednesday.
Sabonis ended up injuring himself during a 109-91 loss to the Clippers at Golden 1 Center. He exited the game with just over five and a half minutes remaining in the third quarter and didn’t return to the court. The injury has understandably raised concerns among fans and staff alike.
Kings head coach Doug Christie voiced his worries after the game, emphasizing that no coach wants to see their star go down. "It’s tough when your key player gets hurt, period," Christie said. He refrained from speculating on the severity but expressed hope that it’s nothing serious. "We’ve got some time before the season begins, and these things happen—it's part of the game. We just hope for the best."
Sabonis, a three-time All-Star and twice named to the All-NBA Third Team, is the backbone of Sacramento’s offense from the center position. Last season, he averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, all while shooting a career-high 41.7% from beyond the arc. His absence would be a big blow, but at least the initial news suggests he avoided a more damaging injury.
Jason Anderson, the dedicated Kings beat writer for The Sacramento Bee, hails from Sacramento himself and brings a wealth of local insight. A Fresno State graduate, Anderson studied journalism and college basketball under the legendary Jerry Tarkanian, which adds a nostalgic and expert touch to his coverage. As the team navigates this uncertain moment, fans and analysts alike are watching closely—what impact will Sabonis’s injury have on the Kings’ prospects this season? And do you think this will alter their approach moving forward? Share your thoughts in the comments.
