The Sacramento Kings thought there was a chance they’d be fully healthy sometime soon. Keegan Murray is making his season debut against the Grizzlies, giving them some hope. Murray has missed the first 15 games of the season while recovering from offseason thumb surgery.
Unfortunately for the Kings, Domantas Sabonis was ruled out for the game against Memphis due to knee soreness. The organization was hoping that it wasn’t any worse than that. They now have news about the exact nature of the injury, and he will miss a significant chunk of time.
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 09: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings and Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves compete for a rebound at Golden 1 Center on November 09, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis Suffers Partially Torn Meniscus
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Sabonis has suffered a partially torn meniscus in his left knee. He will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks. That doesn’t mean he will be back on the court in that timeline; that’s just when they will examine him again.
This will damage the Kings’ ability to score, rebound, and generate open looks. Sabonis is the best passer on the team, as well as the best rebounder. He scores with efficiency in the post, as well. Without him, the offense doesn’t have an identity.
Unfortunately, this has been Sabonis’ worst year in Sacramento by a wide margin. His points, rebounds, and assists are all down from a year ago. His shooting percentages have cratered, as well. He has a mind-boggling -18.7 net rating, by far the worst of his career.
Sacramento’s defense might be better with him off the court, as he is a poor rim protector. Still, generating what little offense they can might become tougher without him passing out of double-teams. The Kings are already in a massive hole.
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Golden 1 Center on November 12, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Kings Might Start Tanking
The Sacramento Kings have the second-worst record in the Western Conference. As a team, they have the fifth-worst net rating in the NBA. With this injury, the Kings might finally decide to fully tank and try to make some moves at the trade deadline.
With the Kings so far behind in the playoff race right now, it doesn’t make sense for them to try and make the play-in. Even with Murray back, the Kings are in a bad spot when it comes to the rest of the roster.
With Sabonis out, expect Precious Achiuwa to man the starting center position.
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