Sacramento Kings Start 2025-26 NBA Season Without Sabonis Murray Due Injuries

The Sacramento Kings are starting the 2025-2026 NBA season dealing with significant setbacks due to injuries to key players Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray. Sabonis, a three-time All-Star and the team’s leading rebounder, will miss the season opener and possibly the first two games because of a Grade 1 hamstring strain sustained during a preseason game. Murray is sidelined for up to six weeks following surgery for a UCL tear in his left thumb. These absences force the Kings to rely on other players like Dario Šarić, Drew Eubanks, and Isaac Jones to fill gaps in the starting lineup. Despite having talent in veterans Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk, the Kings face an uphill battle given their aging and somewhat unbalanced roster, with low expectations for a deep playoff run. The team aims to demonstrate resilience but must navigate early-season adversity that could impact their momentum and overall performance.