Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis has been diagnosed with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee and will miss at least three to four weeks. The three-time All-Star is averaging 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game this season. The injury adds to the Kings' struggles, as they sit at 3-12 in the Western Conference.
The Sacramento Kings announced on Thursday that star center Domantas Sabonis will be sidelined for 3-4 weeks due to a partial meniscus tear in his left knee, with a re-evaluation planned at that time. Sabonis, 29, experienced knee soreness following the Kings' game against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday and missed their subsequent 113-99 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.
This season, Sabonis has appeared in 11 games, posting averages of 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He has led the NBA in rebounds per game during each of his three full seasons with Sacramento. However, the Kings rank third-worst in the league in rebounding percentage, and Sabonis had already missed four games earlier due to various ailments.
The injury compounds Sacramento's challenges, as they have lost seven straight games and hold a 3-12 record, placing them 14th in the Western Conference. Forward Keegan Murray, who has yet to debut this season after thumb surgery, is expected to return soon. In Sabonis' absence, Drew Eubanks and Precious Achiuwa are likely to see increased playing time.
Reports indicate Sabonis underwent surgery to repair the tear, as confirmed by the team and ESPN's Shams Charania. While trade rumors have swirled around Sabonis ahead of the February deadline, his expected return timeline means potential suitors will have a chance to see him healthy before any moves.