Why Domantas Sabonis isn't playing for Kings after injury news

The Sacramento Kings have an intriguing mix of players for the 2025-26 NBA season.

But at least to kick things off, they'll be without their leader, Domantas Sabonis.

The Kings take on the Phoenix Suns to open the season on Wednesday night. Sabonis will be on the sideline.

It's not ideal, of course. Sabonis is a three-time All Star still in his prime at 29 years old.

Last season, Sabonis led the NBA in rebounding at 13.9 per game. He also averaged 19.1 points and 6.0 assists per contest.

That production shouldn't be out too long, but it's not out there right now.

Why isn't Domantas Sabonis playing?

Domantas Sabonis isn't playing to start the season due to injury.

The Kings' star has a Grade 1 hamstring strain, the Kings announced on Oct. 18.

Sacramento announced at that time that Sabonis would miss at least their first two regular season games.

That means he won't play in Phoenix on Wednesday or at home against the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

The Kings' third game of the season is at home on Sunday, Oct. 26 against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Sacramento is also without Keegan Murray, who has a torn UCL in his left thumb.

The likes of Dario Saric and Drew Eubanks are slated to potentially see more time for however long Sabonis is out.

The Kings will likely run more of their offense through Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan while they are without the usual playmaking skills of Sabonis.