Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Sacramento Kings have missed center Domantas Sabonis from their lineup. The big man has been out for 13 straight games after he sustained a partial tear in his left meniscus. After suffering the devastating injury, initial reports stated that he would miss at least a month of action. The last time Sabonis played was on Nov. 16 against the San Antonio Spurs.
It has been a month, and fans have patiently waited for an update from the organization. The three-time All-Star has made good progress in his recuperation, according to Brenden Nunes of Sactown Sports 1140. However, the Lithuanian star isn’t expected to return anytime soon.
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11)
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11)
Nunes reported via X that Sabonis will continue to miss games. The Kings reportedly expect to re-evaluate the center in approximately four to five weeks. That will depend on his clinical progress, the reporter added.
The Kings reported the update ahead of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. Without Sabonis, Sacramento had struggled with a 3-10 record. The star player has appeared in 11 games this 2025-26 NBA season, averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Sabonis’ absence has allowed rookie Maxime Raynaud to shine
The Kings have given more playing time to rookie center Maxime Raynaud amid Sabonis’ absence. He’s gradually earned his way to playing more minutes. He’s appeared in 19 games, averaging 9.6 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Over the past five games, he’s earned a spot in the starting lineup. During that stretch, the 7-foot-1 center put up 15.4 points and 8.8 rebounds. Although the Kings have missed Sabonis, it has helped the No. 42 pick to gain more experience on the floor.