Kings Update Domantas Sabonis Injury, Center to Miss At Least a Week

The Kings put together yet another strong effort on Saturday night while facing off against a good Rockets team.

Not only did they come away with a much-needed win, they also did it while playing their own brand of team basketball.

However, as with so many things in pro sports, not everything went as planned

Sacramento did gain ground on the sixth seed in the west, and they managed to do so while further reinforcing that Zach LaVine can be a true number one. Even so, they lost something as well.

Standout center Domantas Sabonis left the game early in the first quarter. He did not come back. That is extremely concerning for the franchise because he’s one of their best players, and is able to anchor the middle of the floor on both sides of the ball.

A True Team Effort

On paper, the Kings did exactly what they needed to do against Houston. They set an early pace, leaned on their playmakers, and ultimately won three of the four quarters before cruising onto a satisfying 113-103 win.

Though the game was close at points, Sacramento maintained control for most of the contest

They did that by spreading the ball around. Six players ended in double figures, which further reinforces just how much the Kings need to play team ball if they want to win games.

DeMar DeRozan led everyone with 21 points. Zach LaVine was right behind him with 20

Malik Monk had 16, Jonas Valanciunas had 15, Keegan Murray added 13, while Keon Ellis ended the night with 12.

Those numbers aren’t terribly impressive on their own, but together they show a team that’s learning how to win.

Sacramento has had plenty of ups and downs this season

The recent loss of De’Aaron Fox hurt, but they’ve bounced back and are finding a winning formula. They just may have to continue that formula without their starting center.

A Quick Exit

The Kings came away with a victory, but losing Sabonis is a big blow. He’s having an incredible year this season, averaging an impressive 19.9 points and 14.4 rebounds alongside a 43 percent three point percentage.

He’s also a stout defender and a threat from both inside and outside the arc

Unfortunately, the crafty center left the Houston game after just a minute of play. During a routine play, he grabbed at his left hamstring while moving down the court.

Interim coach Doug Christie immediately called time out and Sabonis left to get his leg looked at.

He did not return

While the team did not make any comments about the big man’s injury status immediately after the game, they have now confirmed he suffered a grade 1 hamstring strain.

It most definitely could be worse, but hamstrings are not something to take lightly. They are easily re-aggravated, especially if the player doesn’t take the proper rest. That means spending some time on the sidelines.

A Week, At Least

Hamstrings are notoriously tricky to properly diagnose, which is why Sabonis does not have a set timeline. The team expects him to miss at least one week, but it could be more than that depending on how recovery goes.

“We’ll see in the coming days,” coach Christie said of the injury

“Probably tomorrow or the next day we’ll have an idea, but everyone’s pulling for him. Stepping in and, wow, we’re talking about Domantas Sabonis, who covers the stat sheet in a way that’s difficult to do.

A lot of guys stepped in and weren’t trying to do too much. They were just trying to do what they do and that adds up to everyone pulling rope in the same direction.”

If Sabonis misses a game or two, it won’t be the end of the world for the Kings

If he ends up sitting out for an extended amount of time, it could very well be the difference between Sacramento making or missing the postseason.

Making Up the Difference

The Kings did a solid job on Saturday without Sabonis. Recent trade-deadline pickup Jonas Valanciunas held down the fort, grabbing 14 rebounds to go along with his 15 points and generally keeping Houston out of the middle.

He had four steals and three blocks as well

Those are the stat lines the Kings will need if they want to keep pace without Sabonis on the floor. Their team can win games, but a backup center was a premium pickup before the deadline.

Banging down low takes its toll, and anyone can get worn down throughout a game.

Valanciunas came in to give Sabonis relief

Now he may not have relief of his own. Sacramento hopes he will only have to keep things in check for a game or two, but if it’s more than that the Kings may very well have to find a new rotation that works.