Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis suffers multiple injuries in game against Grizzlies
Kings center Domantas Sabonis returned from one injury in the first half only to suffer a more serious injury in the second half of Monday’s 132-122 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
Sabonis went to the locker room to get stitches after suffering a bloody gash above his left eye less than three minutes into the game. He returned in the second quarter but left again after rolling his right ankle in the first minute of the second half.
Sabonis went down after stepping on Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells’ foot on a driving layup attempt with 11:09 to play in the third quarter. Sabonis immediately reached for his ankle before he hit the floor and instantly motioned to the bench for the team’s medical staff while writhing in pain under the basket.
Sabonis was seen limping badly and appeared to collapse in the tunnel as he was helped to the locker room. A short time later, the Kings announced Sabonis would not return to the game.
Interim Kings coach Doug Christie did not have an update on Sabonis immediately after the game.
“I don’t know anything yet,” Christie said. “I will, hopefully, momentarily. I have not been updated, but I’m hoping — I’ve had ankles and different things — so I’m hoping for the best, obviously.”
Sabonis’ teammates were concerned about his well being after seeing him suffer multiple injuries.
“It sucks,” Kings guard Zach LaVine said. “Obviously, getting hit in the head early on with the stitches. He gets bumped and bruised because he plays so damn hard. I haven’t been able to talk to him, but Domas wants to be out there as much as anybody.”
Kings guard Malik Monk agreed.
“I’m always concerned when my teammate not on the court,” Monk said. “I really didn’t see the play until I looked up. It looked pretty bad, but Domas (is) strong. He’ll probably be back sooner than we think.”
Sabonis recently returned to the lineup after missing six games with a strained left hamstring. Another extended absence could be devastating for the Kings as they try to secure a play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Sabonis has appeared in 58 games this season, averaging 19.4 points, 14.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 59.2% from the field and 42.5% from 3-point range. The Kings are 31-27 with Sabonis in the lineup. They are 3-6 in the nine games he has missed.
Sabonis needs to play in seven of Sacramento’s last 15 games to reach the 65-game threshold to qualify for All-NBA honors.
This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 8:59 PM.
