“There are a lot of expectations this year, especially after breaking the playoff streak. The fans want a lot, and they deserve it.” Heading into the new season, Domantas Sabonis was optimistic about the team’s chances. After all, everyone was in the spirit to do well after the Kings’ postseason run. Right from the start of this season, the Kings have remained nearly level in their win-loss record. Currently 7-6, the need was for Sabonis and Co. to give their all, unfortunately, that would be hard to do with the leader unavailable.

The ongoing matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz saw Domantas Sabonis getting sidelined. His absence falls in line with the update that NBA reporter, James Ham, had put out a few hours ago. According to him, “Neither Mike Brown nor media relations have an update on the potential length of Domantas Sabonis’ absence due to back stiffness.” Facing the same issue as DeMar DeRozan, the hoopster’s recent ailment guarantees that he will remain out of the matchup.

Sabonis sustained his injury during the Kings’ previous game against the Wolves. After tweaking his back, the player made his way to the sidelines but returned soon after that. Per Sean Cunnigham, Sabonis reportedly kept dealing with cramps throughout the game. But this still didn’t stop him from posting his 12th consecutive double-double, making 23 points and 12 rebounds. This, along with Fox’s historical 60 points and Murray’s 14 points, would’ve been enough. However, the Wolves still took the win by a 130-126 score.

There is one thing that Sacramento is not used to doing without Domantas Sabonis. And that is playing. After all, during the previous season, he was present in all 82 games and even played 79 games in the season before. His average score for the 2023-24 season stood at 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. This made him the second-highest average scorer that year, right behind De’Aaron Fox. In light of this, the Sacramento Kings will have to devise a strategy on how to go forward in case Sabonis continues remaining out.

How can the Sacramento Kings proceed without Domantas Sabonis?

No update is available on the future availability status of Domantas Sabonis. Therefore, other players will have to step up to fill his duties as Center. Alex Len and Trey Lyles may end up receiving an increase in their minutes as long as Sabonis remains out.

Being the backup Center for the Kings, Alex Len cannot boast much about his offensive prowess. Last season, he played 48 games without starting in one. He averaged 2.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1 assist with an average of 9.3 minutes on the court. Trey Lyles, on the other hand, had a better standing. He played in 58 games, started in none, and averaged 7.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. His average game time stood at 20 minutes.

The duo may not be able to match the offensive prowess of Domantas Sabonis like-for-like. However, if the Kings’ 121-117 win against the Utah Jazz is any indication, where Lyles came off the bench and played 41 minutes, scoring 7 points and 8 rebounds, they can surely contribute to the scoring effort at a level that gives the franchise some sort of edge during games, till Sabonis is back.