UPDATE: Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis will be sidelined for another four to five weeks as he recovers from a partial meniscus tear in his left knee, the team announced on November 24, 2023. This injury extends his absence from the court, as Sabonis has not played since November 16, missing 13 games during which the Kings have struggled to a 3-10 record.
Sabonis, a three-time All-Star, initially sat out a game on November 19 due to what was described as knee soreness. Subsequent tests confirmed the meniscus tear, marking a significant setback for the player. This season has been particularly challenging for Sabonis, who also missed the regular-season opener due to a hamstring strain and sat out two games in early November due to a rib issue. Previously, he had been known for his durability, playing 79, 82, and 70 games in the past three seasons.
Before his injury, Sabonis was averaging an impressive 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, leading the league in rebounding for the past three years. His absence is being felt acutely as the Kings, at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 6-21 record, continue to struggle.
In light of Sabonis’ injury, rookie Maxime Raynaud has stepped up, averaging 9.6 points and 5.1 rebounds since Sabonis went down. Notably, Raynaud has elevated his performance to 16.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game over the last eight contests, providing a glimmer of hope for the Kings amid their ongoing difficulties.
As the Kings navigate this challenging period, fans and analysts will be closely watching how the team adapts without their star player. Next up, the Kings aim to improve their standings as they face upcoming games without Sabonis, who is a crucial part of their lineup. Stay tuned for further updates on his recovery and the team’s performance.
