The Sacramento Kings have had a slow start to the new NBA season, and it’s no coincidence that this is amid Domantas Sabonis dealing with a lingering injury. The three-time All-Star has missed two out of Sacramento’s last three games due to a rib issue, and it is clear that Sabonis is not a hundred percent despite his recent return to action.
After missing two straight games, Sabonis was back on the court on Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-foot-10 big man’s return did little to help the Kings, though, as they suffered an embarrassing 144-117 home loss to Anthony Edwards and Co.
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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) during an NBA game. © Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Sabonis is currently in his 10th season in the NBA and his fifth with the Kings. In seven games played in 2025-26, the 29-year-old has averaged 15.3 points on 47.7% shooting, 14.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 34.0 minutes per contest. His scoring, shooting percentage and assists are currently career-low numbers since he joined Sacramento in 2022.
The Kings are back in action on Tuesday in a matchup against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Sabonis, however, popped up on the injury report again for the upcoming game. Sacramento announced on Monday via the official NBA injury report that Sabonis is questionable to play against the Nuggets due to a left ribcage contusion.
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The silver lining here is that Sabonis was also questionable to play on Sunday against the Wolves before he was cleared to play. However, it is also worth noting that this is the same injury that kept him out for two straight games. There is no word if Sabonis reaggravated the injury against Minnesota.
Moreover, Tuesday’s contest against the Nuggets is the first night of a back-to-back set. The Kings play again on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks. Both will be home games for Sacramento at Golden 1 Center.
Sabonis and the Kings’ slow start have resulted in a 3-7 record after 10 games played.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.