Domantas Sabonis’ Status in Question as Kings Face Timberwolves

The Sacramento Kings will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night in what could be a critical early-season test. However, the availability of star center Domantas Sabonis remains uncertain. Listed as questionable on the NBA’s official injury report, Sabonis continues to deal with a left ribcage contusion that has already forced him to miss two straight games.

The injury occurred during Monday’s 130–124 loss to the Denver Nuggets, when Sabonis took an elbow to the chest from Nikola Jokić in a physical battle inside the paint. The blow left the Kings’ big man visibly uncomfortable, and he has not returned to action since.

While the Kings managed to secure a key win over the Golden State Warriors without him, his absence has been noticeable in both rebounding and interior playmaking — areas where Sabonis typically anchors the team. With his status still up in the air, Sacramento’s coaching staff will likely wait until closer to tip-off to determine whether he can take the floor.

In Sabonis’ absence, the Kings have turned to veteran center Drew Eubanks to fill the starting role. Eubanks’ energy and rebounding have been serviceable, but replacing an All-Star’s production has proven to be a tall order for a Sacramento team that depends heavily on Sabonis’ two-way presence.

1. Sabonis’ Season So Far

Before the rib injury, Sabonis had been off to a solid start to the 2025 campaign. Through six games, he has averaged 14.5 points, 14.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 52.2% from the field. Though his perimeter and free-throw numbers remain below league average, his efficiency and consistency inside have been vital for Sacramento’s offensive rhythm. Sabonis’ workload has remained heavy at over 34 minutes per contest, reflecting his importance as the focal point of the Kings’ frontcourt. His rebounding dominance has been particularly crucial, ranking among the top rebounders in the Western Conference. The Lithuanian big man’s combination of size, vision, and playmaking makes him integral to head coach Mike Brown’s offense. The Kings often initiate sets through Sabonis at the elbow or low post, where he can either find cutters or create scoring opportunities for himself. Losing him for an extended stretch could force Sacramento to adjust its spacing and tempo considerably. Sabonis already overcame one physical setback earlier this year — a hamstring injury that delayed his season debut. He returned with a memorable game-winner against the Utah Jazz, showing resilience and leadership that have defined his tenure in Sacramento. Now, the question is whether his latest injury will require more caution before returning to the hardwood.

2. Impact on the Kings’ Lineup

If Sabonis remains out, Sacramento will once again lean on a committee of frontcourt players. Drew Eubanks has handled the starting role capably, while backup bigs JaVale McGee and Trey Lyles could see additional minutes depending on the matchup against Minnesota’s front line. The Kings will also continue to miss second-year forward Keegan Murray, who is sidelined as he recovers from left thumb surgery. His absence leaves the team thin in both size and scoring depth, placing even more emphasis on De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk to carry the offensive load. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves enter Sunday’s matchup mostly healthy. Guard Donte DiVincenzo is cleared to play after recovering from a facial injury, while rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. is listed as questionable due to left foot soreness. Minnesota’s frontcourt, led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, presents a significant challenge — one that could expose Sacramento’s rebounding limitations without Sabonis. For Sacramento, maintaining pace and perimeter shooting will be key if Sabonis is unavailable. The Kings’ offensive system thrives on quick ball movement and spacing, but without their playmaking center, they may need to rely more heavily on transition opportunities and isolation scoring from their guards.

3. Sabonis’ Role in the Bigger Picture

Now in his 10th NBA season and fourth full year with Sacramento, Domantas Sabonis has become the emotional and tactical backbone of the franchise. Since his arrival from Indiana in 2022, he has helped the Kings transform from perennial lottery contenders into a competitive Western Conference team. His chemistry with De’Aaron Fox has been central to the Kings’ offensive identity — a high-tempo, read-and-react system that thrives on Sabonis’ ability to facilitate from multiple spots on the court. Losing him, even temporarily, disrupts that dynamic and tests Sacramento’s depth and adaptability. The Kings have emphasized managing injuries carefully this season, opting not to rush key players back into action. That approach likely extends to Sabonis, whose long-term health outweighs short-term results in early November. Still, given the competitive nature of the Western standings, every game — particularly against playoff-caliber opponents like Minnesota — carries weight. As Sacramento looks to build on last year’s playoff appearance, the availability of their All-Star center could make the difference between staying afloat and slipping behind in a crowded conference race.