Domantas Sabonis Injury Update: Will the Kings Star Return After His Meniscus Tear?

Domantas Sabonis has been sidelined since November 16 after suffering a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. The Sacramento Kings shared that the star center will be reevaluated in three to four weeks. This leaves the team without its top interior scorer and rebounder during a difficult stretch of the 2025–26 NBA season.

The Kings confirmed the timeline days after Sabonis exited the loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Head coach Doug Christie acknowledged the setback and emphasized how crucial Sabonis is to their offensive system. The team now prepares to navigate several more games without him.

Latest Breakdown on Domantas Sabonis Injury Update

Sabonis last played on November 16 when he logged 36 minutes against San Antonio. He finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. Soon after, evaluations confirmed a partial meniscus tear. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the team will reassess his knee after three to four weeks. This places his earliest possible return window near late December, with early January also possible.

The Kings are preparing for a multi-week absence. If the timeline holds, Sabonis could miss up to seven additional games. Christie told NBC-Sports Sacramento that the injury is a significant blow. He expressed disappointment for the player and the team, noting how essential Sabonis has been as a playmaking big man.

Sabonis faced smaller injuries earlier this season. He missed the opener against Phoenix on October 22 due to a hamstring strain. A rib issue kept him out against Golden State on November 5 and Oklahoma City on November 7. Despite the setbacks, he performed at a high level when active. He averaged 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He shot 51% from the field and continued to anchor Sacramento’s interior scoring and rebounding.

The 2025–26 campaign marks his 10th NBA season. Sabonis earned All-NBA third team honors in 2023 and 2024. He also helped the Kings end their 17-year playoff drought in 2023. His ability to create shots for teammates and control the boards makes him one of the league’s most important frontcourt players.

How Sabonis’ Absence Shapes the Kings’ Path

The Kings entered late November with a 5–13 record. They sit 12th in the Western Conference. They are level with the Clippers and trail Utah by 0.5 games. Memphis sits one game ahead. The team must stabilize while their All-NBA center recovers.

Sacramento now faces key NBA Cup group stage matchups. They host the Phoenix Suns on November 26 at 10 p.m. ET. They then face the Utah Jazz on the road on November 28. Depth players will need to step up. The Kings will rely more on perimeter scoring, faster pace, and defensive rotations in Sabonis’ absence.

The coming weeks will determine how well the Kings can survive without their most reliable big man. Domantas Sabonis’ injury update remains the central storyline as the team waits for a late December or early January return window.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When is Domantas Sabonis expected to return?

Sabonis will be reevaluated three to four weeks after his November 16 injury. His return timeline points toward late December or early January.

Q2: What injury did Domantas Sabonis suffer?

He suffered a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. The injury occurred during the loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Q3: How many games has Sabonis missed so far?

He missed three earlier games due to minor injuries. He has been out since November 16 and could miss up to seven more games.

Q4: How is Sabonis performing this season?

Before the injury, he averaged 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds. He also added playmaking with 3.7 assists per game.

Q5: How does the injury affect the Kings?

The team loses its top rebounder and inside playmaker. Sacramento relies heavily on his scoring, passing, and rim presence.