BREAKING: Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis is set to miss an additional four to five weeks due to a partial meniscus tear in his left knee, the team confirmed on Friday. This injury update comes as the Kings struggle with a dismal 6-21 record in the Western Conference, having lost 10 of their last 13 games since Sabonis was sidelined.
Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, has not played since November 16, 2023. Initially, he sat out on November 19 with what was described as left knee soreness, but further evaluations revealed the tear. This marks a significant setback for the player, who has faced a series of injuries this season, including a hamstring strain that kept him out of the regular-season opener and rib issues that led to two missed games in early November.
Before his injury, Sabonis was averaging an impressive 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. He has consistently been a dominant force, leading the league in rebounding for the past three seasons. His absence has opened the door for rookie Maxime Raynaud, who has stepped up with averages of 9.6 points and 5.1 rebounds since Sabonis went down, including a standout performance of 16.3 points and 7.5 rebounds over his last eight games.
The Kings currently sit near the bottom of the standings, creating a sense of urgency for the team as they look to rally without their star player. The ongoing injuries have created a challenging environment, impacting the team’s morale and performance on the court.
As the Kings attempt to navigate this critical juncture in the season, all eyes will be on how Raynaud and the rest of the roster adapt in the coming weeks. Fans eagerly await updates as the team works to regain its footing amidst these mounting challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates on Sabonis’ recovery and the Kings’ progress as they seek to turn their season around with a tough schedule ahead.