Domantas Sabonis Injury Update: Kings Star Likely to Miss Season Opener After Hamstring Strain

Domantas Sabonis has suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline him for the Sacramento Kings’ final preseason game and could keep him out of the early part of the regular season. The All-Star center left a preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 16, 2025, with what has now been diagnosed as a grade 1 hamstring strain.

While the news is a setback for the Kings ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, there is some relief: the injury is relatively mild and Sabonis is expected to return within a couple of weeks. That timeline could see him miss the start of the season, but he is not expected to be sidelined long-term.

Domantas Sabonis Injury Update: What We Know So Far

According to league reports, Domantas Sabonis sustained a mild hamstring strain during the Kings’ preseason loss to the Clippers. He will miss the team’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 17. The Kings have not provided an exact recovery timeline, but similar injuries typically require between one and three weeks of rest and rehabilitation.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the team is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing Sabonis’ long-term health over rushing him back for the opening games. Tyrese Haliburton, for example, missed 10 games with a similar hamstring strain in January 2024 and later re-aggravated the injury in the postseason — a scenario Sacramento hopes to avoid with its star center.

The timing is challenging for Sacramento. The Kings are already dealing with multiple health issues as they prepare for the regular season. Forward Keegan Murray is expected to miss several weeks with a UCL tear, Malik Monk remains sidelined due to an undisclosed illness, and veteran DeMar DeRozan is nursing groin soreness, though he is expected to play. Losing Sabonis, even for a short period, adds another obstacle as the Kings look to build early-season momentum.

How Sabonis’ Absence Impacts the Kings’ Season Start

Sabonis is a crucial part of the Kings’ offense and interior defense. He averaged 19.2 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season, anchoring the team’s playoff push. His absence would force Sacramento to rely more heavily on backup big men and perimeter scoring, potentially affecting their early-season chemistry and pace.

However, the Kings and their fans can take some comfort in knowing that the injury could have been much worse. When Sabonis left the court against the Clippers, there were initial fears of a serious ligament injury such as an ACL tear — a scenario that could have ended his season. Instead, the diagnosis of a mild hamstring strain represents a best-case outcome given the circumstances.

If recovery goes as expected, Sabonis could return by the second or third week of the regular season, putting him back on the court well before Murray is cleared to play. The Kings are expected to monitor his rehab closely and will likely err on the side of caution to prevent any setbacks.

For now, Sacramento’s priority is getting Sabonis back to full strength. While the injury is a blow to their opening stretch, the relatively short recovery timeline offers hope that their star center will be back in action soon, ready to help the Kings chase another playoff run.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long will Domantas Sabonis be out?

Sabonis is expected to miss the final preseason game and could miss the first few regular-season games. A typical grade 1 hamstring strain requires one to three weeks of recovery.

Q2: What happened to Domantas Sabonis?

He suffered a grade 1 hamstring strain during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 16, 2025.

Q3: Will Sabonis play in the season opener?

It’s uncertain. The Kings have not announced a return date, but he could miss the start of the regular season if his recovery extends beyond two weeks.

Q4: How will the Kings cope without Sabonis?

The Kings will rely on depth and increased offensive output from their guards and wings. However, Sabonis’ absence will be felt on both ends of the court.

Q5: Are other Kings players injured?

Yes. Keegan Murray is out with a UCL tear, Malik Monk is dealing with an illness, and DeMar DeRozan is managing groin soreness.