Domantas Sabonis’ Season Opener in Jeopardy: What This Unexpected Injury Could Mean for the Kings’ Title Hopes

The Sacramento Kings are stepping into the 2025-26 NBA season faced with a tough pill to swallow — their pivotal center, Domantas Sabonis, is sidelined by a Grade 1 hamstring strain. This isn’t just a minor hiccup; Sabonis, who’s been the linchpin of the Kings’ offense over the last few seasons, is expected to miss at least the opening two games, with his status to be revisited after a week. Things got more complicated when the 6-foot-10 big man had to leave Wednesday’s preseason clash against the Clippers, an MRI confirming the strain shortly after. Adding another layer to their early-season struggles, forward Keegan Murray is also out following thumb surgery—meaning Sacramento kicks off with two starters down. With Sabonis off the floor, the Kings experimented with Drew Eubanks and have some other options like Isaac Jones and Maxime Raynaud, but the road ahead looks challenging. After all, Sabonis’s impact can’t simply be replaced overnight — over 246 games in Sacramento, he’s averaged a striking 19.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in just under 35 minutes per game. This early-season drama could shape how the Kings navigate what’s expected to be a competitive NBA campaign. LEARN MORE

The Kings will begin the 2025-26 NBA season without their star center.

Domantas Sabonis suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain and will miss at least the first two games of the season. The Kings say he will be re-evaluated in one week.

Sabonis exited Wednesday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers and later was ruled out with the hamstring issue. An MRI confirmed a Grade 1 strain.

Sacramento now will be without two starters to begin the new season, as forward Keegan Murray had surgery to repair a UCL tear in his left thumb and will be out for at least three to six weeks.

Sabonis has been instrumental to the Kings over the past couple of seasons, with their offense running through the 6-foot-10 big man.

In Friday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Kings started newly acquired Drew Eubanks with Sabonis out. Isaac Jones, Dario Saric, Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud are options, too.

Through 246 games in just over three seasons with Sacramento, Sabonis has averaged 19.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 34.9 minutes.

Download and follow The Deuce & Mo Podcast