Domantas Sabonis, the Sacramento Kings' pivotal player, faces a setback as he will miss at least 10 days due to an ankle injury. Sabonis, who recently returned to the lineup after a hamstring injury sidelined him for six games, injured his ankle during Monday night's victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The absence of the league's leading rebounder, who averages 13.9 rebounds per game, poses a significant challenge for the Kings.
Prior to his ankle injury, Sabonis was hit in the face by Luke Kennard's head, resulting in a cut above his left eye. Despite returning to the game after this incident, he was forced to leave in the third quarter due to the ankle issue. His absence is a considerable blow to the Kings, who have struggled with a 3-6 record without him this season.
Sabonis has been an essential contributor to the team's performance, averaging 19.2 points and 6.2 assists per game. His impressive statistics highlight his crucial role in the Kings' strategy, making his temporary removal from the lineup all the more impactful. In his stead, Jonas Valanciunas is expected to step into the starting lineup to fill the void left by Sabonis.
Additionally, the Kings have taken proactive steps to bolster their roster by signing forward Terry Taylor to a 10-day contract earlier on Tuesday. This move aims to add depth and maintain competitive play during Sabonis's recovery period.
The team's reliance on Sabonis is evident both in the NBA and within their G League affiliate in Stockton, where he was averaging 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His consistent performance underscores his importance to the Kings' overall success and highlights the challenge they face in his absence.
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