News Summary
The Sacramento Kings will start the NBA season missing All-Star center Domantas Sabonis due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain, confirmed by MRI results. He will be sidelined for at least the start of the season, including the opener against the Phoenix Suns. Additionally, forward Keegan Murray is out for a month following a thumb injury. The Kings must adapt quickly, relying on replacements like Drew Eubanks and tactical adjustments as they seek to improve on past seasons and contend for a playoff spot.
Sacramento – The Sacramento Kings will commence the new NBA season without their All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, who has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. This injury was confirmed by an MRI following the Kings’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 15, resulting in Sabonis being sidelined for at least the start of the season.
Sabonis will not participate in the season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, October 25, nor will he be available for the home opener against the Utah Jazz on Friday, October 27. The earliest he could return to the lineup is on October 26 for a home game against the Los Angeles Lakers, contingent upon a re-evaluation scheduled for one week post-injury.
Despite being classified as a minor strain, this injury represents a significant hurdle for the Kings as they strive for a better outcome this season. Last year, the team missed the playoffs for four out of the last five seasons, highlighting the importance of contending with a full-strength roster. Sabonis, who averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and six assists per game during the most recent season, has been pivotal in leading the NBA in rebounding for three consecutive seasons. His scoring prowess has also ensured he surpassed 19 points per game each season during this time frame.
In addition to losing Sabonis, the Kings are also dealing with another injury, as forward Keegan Murray is set to miss at least one month due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb. The absence of both players raises the stakes for the Kings as they begin their quest for a playoff spot. Earlier during the preseason, the Kings also faced challenges with other players; Malik Monk was ruled out due to illness, while DeMar DeRozan dealt with a groin issue.
In response to these injuries, Sacramento has been proactive in testing potential replacements. Second-year center Isaac Jones, along with veterans Dario Saric and Drew Eubanks, have all stepped up to fill the gaps created by the injuries to Sabonis and Murray. During the preseason finale, Drew Eubanks was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Sabonis, where he made a respectable contribution with 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
The challenges posed by these early injuries could derail the Kings’ aspirations of returning to the playoffs, but the team is being strategic in handling this adversity. Furthermore, the Kings have made headlines with the addition of Russell Westbrook, a former Kia MVP, who joined the franchise for his 18th NBA season, bringing experience that could prove crucial in filling the void left by Sabonis and Murray.
The Kings have a pivotal season ahead, marked not only by injury challenges but also by an opportunity for younger players to step into more significant roles. As the regular season begins, the effectiveness of these adjustments will be closely monitored, as Sacramento seeks to compete in a demanding Western Conference.
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Additional Resources
- NBA.com
- Sacramento Bee
- ESPN
- USA Today
- The Star
- Wikipedia: Domantas Sabonis
- Google Search: Domantas Sabonis
- Google Scholar: Domantas Sabonis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domantas Sabonis
- Google News: Domantas Sabonis injury
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