Kings Center Domantas Sabonis Out for Opening Games Due to Injury

The Sacramento Kings have confirmed that All-Star center Domantas Sabonis will miss at least the first two games of the regular season due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The injury occurred during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers last Wednesday, leading to Sabonis’s absence in the final preseason match on Friday after he underwent medical testing.

Sabonis’s injury is classified as a minor strain, but it will prevent him from participating in the Kings’ season opener on October 25, 2023, against the Phoenix Suns, as well as their home opener on October 27, 2023, when they face the Utah Jazz. The earliest potential return for Sabonis is projected for a home game on October 29, 2023, against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Kings are already dealing with another significant injury, as fourth-year power forward Keegan Murray is sidelined for at least a month due to a torn UCL in his left thumb. In light of these injuries, the team has been experimenting with different lineups during the preseason. Second-year center Isaac Jones and veterans Dario Saric and Drew Eubanks have all been tested in the absence of both Sabonis and Murray.

As the Kings prepare for the upcoming season, the health of their roster will be crucial to their performance. Missing two key players in the opening games poses a challenge as they look to establish momentum early in the season. The franchise will be hoping for a swift recovery for both Sabonis and Murray as they aim for a successful campaign ahead.