Domantas Sabonis Out Another Month with Knee Injury: Kings Struggle
UPDATE: Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis is now expected to miss an additional four to five weeks due to a partial meniscus tear in his left knee, the team confirmed on Friday. Sabonis has been sidelined since November 16, 2023, during which the Kings have struggled with a 3-10 record.
The injury has marked a significant setback for the three-time All-Star, who initially missed a game on November 19 due to what was described as left knee soreness. Subsequent evaluations revealed the more serious meniscus tear. Sabonis’ ongoing injury woes follow a challenging season, as he previously missed the regular-season opener due to a hamstring strain and sat out two additional games in early November due to a rib issue.
Once considered a model of durability, having played 79, 82, and 70 games over the last three seasons, Sabonis was averaging 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game before his injury. His absence is keenly felt as the Kings currently sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a dismal 6-21 record.
In Sabonis’ absence, rookie Maxime Raynaud has stepped up, averaging 9.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game since Sabonis was injured. Raynaud has found his rhythm recently, boasting an impressive average of 16.3 points and 7.5 rebounds over his last eight games, providing a glimmer of hope for the struggling Kings.
This latest injury update is a blow not only for Sabonis but also for a Kings team desperately seeking to turn around their season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the impact of these developments as the franchise grapples with its ongoing struggles.
As the Kings prepare for their next games, the focus will be on how they adapt without their star player and whether Raynaud can maintain his rising performance amidst the challenges. The urgency for the Kings to secure wins is palpable as they aim to climb out of the standings’ depths.
