Domantas Sabonis (Photo by Sergio Estrada/Imagn Images
The Sacramento Kings, now sitting at 34-33 and ninth in the Western Conference, have struggled whenever their star, Domantas Sabonis, is absent. The team went 2-4 when he missed six games earlier due to a hamstring strain.

Now Sacramento received a devastating blow as their star big man has been ruled out again due to a right ankle sprain. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that he is expected to miss at least ten games.

“Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis will miss at least 10 days with a right ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN. The NBA’s leading rebounder returned last week after sitting for six straight games, and will now miss additional time. Kings are 3-6 without Sabonis,” Charania reported.

His latest injury occurred in Monday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, as he rolled his ankle just moments into the second half while driving to the basket. He was quickly ruled out after a medical evaluation.

It wasn’t the only hit Sabonis took that night. Earlier in the game, he suffered a cut over his left eye after being struck by the back of Luke Kennard’s head. He finished the night with six points and four assists in just 12 minutes of action.

Impact Of Domantas Sabonis’ Injury

Domantas Sabonis (Photo by Ed Szczepanski/Imagn Images)

Domantas Sabonis’ absence leaves a significant hole in Sacramento’s lineup, especially on the offensive end. He has been the engine of the Kings’ attack, averaging 19.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game.

This injury also puts Sabonis’ postseason awards eligibility in jeopardy. Under the NBA’s new rules, players must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for accolades like All-NBA selections. With only 58 games played so far, he needs at least seven more appearances to remain eligible.

For the Kings, the timing of this injury couldn’t be worse. They are already fighting for their postseason survival, and losing their best playmaker and rebounder could spell trouble. How they respond in the next few games will determine whether they can keep their playoff hopes alive or fall further in the standing