Sacramento Kings Face Tough Playoff Road Without Domantas Sabonis

The Sacramento Kings are facing a difficult path to the playoffs with only 15 games left in the regular season. Their challenge becomes even tougher as star center Domantas Sabonis will be sidelined for at least 10 days due to a right ankle sprain.

The Lithuanian big man sustained the injury during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, where he collided with Luke Kennard in the first quarter and later twisted his ankle after stepping on Jaylen Wells' foot in the third quarter. As a result, Sabonis will miss six crucial games, including matchups against top teams like the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Thunder.

The Kings hope he will return in late March for their road game against the Orlando Magic.  

Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/stephen-curry-struggles-warriors-lose-to-nuggets Sabonis’ absence is a major blow to the Kings, given his crucial role in their lineup.

This season, he has been averaging a career-best 13.9 rebounds, along with 19.2 points and 6.2 assists over 58 games. The Kings have struggled without him, winning just three of nine games when he was sidelined.

His injury comes at a pivotal moment as Sacramento fights to secure a playoff spot. Currently holding a 34-33 record, the Kings sit in ninth place, likely heading for the play-in tournament.

They must outperform rivals like the Timberwolves (40-30), Clippers (39-30), and Mavericks (33-26) to improve their postseason chances.  

Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/anthony-edwards-timberwolves-defeat-nuggets-sixth-straight-win The Kings have only made the playoffs once in the last 18 seasons, finishing as the third seed in 2022-23 with a 48-34 record.

Last season, they narrowly missed out, falling to the Pelicans in the play-in tournament. With a tight Western Conference race and Sabonis out of action, Sacramento must step up in his absence to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Fans will be eagerly watching how the team performs in these crucial upcoming games.