Domantas Sabonis has been banged up for the Sacramento Kings at the start of the 2025-26 season. Not only did he miss time to begin the year due to a low-grade hamstring injury, but the All-Star big man has also been dealing with a rib injury over the last week, leading to his uncertain status for a matchup against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
After missing back-to-back games against the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder, Sabonis returned to the floor in Sunday's 144-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sabonis recorded 20 points and 13 rebounds in 30 minutes against the Wolves, but he didn't appear to be himself at times, constantly grabbing at his ribs.
The Kings' big man landed on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's matchup with Denver and was originally listed as questionable to play with what has been labeled as a left ribcage contusion. Since appearing on the injury, Sabonis and the Kings have received good news, as the star big man has been upgraded to available and will play through his rib injury.
Despite constantly grabbing at his left ribs and appearing to be in discomfort in the Kings' last game, Sabonis will fight through this injury and look to deliver Sacramento with its biggest victory of the season over Denver. It appears as if the Kings are treating Sabonis' rib injury based on his pain tolerance.
The concerning aspect of this injury, which goes back to the pain-tolerance aspect, is that Sabonis told The Sacramento Bee he was experiencing labored breathing and a “sharp stab” pain in his ribs. Although he played 30 minutes with this injury against the Timberwolves, that is why Sabonis was constantly grabbing at his left side.
Without Sabonis on the court, the Kings are left very thin in their frontcourt, which is why his availability for this matchup against Jokic and the Nuggets is essential to the team's success.
Drew Eubanks drew back-to-back starts the last two times Sabonis was sidelined with this rib injury, and rookie Maxime Raynaud saw minutes in the frontcourt off the bench. Newly signed Precious Achiuwa also provides Sacramento with extra depth, especially as a rebounder.
The Kings are currently 3-7 and reside near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. A win over Denver on Tuesday night would go a long way in Sacramento being able to breathe a sigh of relief and steer their ship in the right direction.
