The Sacramento Kings’ start to the season keeps getting more complicated, and the latest blow comes from Sabonis’ injury. The former Pacers big man is forced to stop due to a meniscus tear in his left knee.

Tests confirmed the issue, and the franchise announced he will be re-evaluated in three to four weeks. In short, he won’t return before the second half of December.

The Lithuanian center had missed the game against Oklahoma City because of knee discomfort, initially classified as simple inflammation after taking a hit against the Spurs. Further tests, however, revealed a much harsher reality. For the Kings – already scrambling to find stability in a shaky start – this is a massive problem.

Doug Christie, leading a team that has lost rhythm and confidence, didn’t hide his frustration:

It’s not good news. For him, first of all. He’s a fundamental part of how we play

Doug Christie

And that’s no exaggeration: Sabonis is literally the hub of the offensive system, the starting point for reads, passes, and spacing that very few NBA big men can orchestrate with such ease.

Even before the injury, his start to the season had been rocky: he missed opening night with a hamstring strain suffered in preseason and sat out again due to a rib issue. Now he adds another setback that will keep him out for at least ten games, just as Sacramento is struggling to find any sense of footing.

The current 3–13 record says it all. Eight straight losses, all by large margins, culminating in a brutal -41 against Memphis. In a context already spiraling downward, losing the only player capable of holding the offense together makes the situation even more precarious.

Sabonis’ return alone won’t be enough to fix the Kings, but without him the risk is that the season takes a turn they won’t be able to recover from.