The Sacramento Kings’ chances of making it to the NBA play-in tournament took a hit when center Domantas Sabonis exited Saturday night’s 113-103 victory over the Houston Rockets just 1 minute into the game due to a left hamstring injury.
Sabonis suffered the injury early in the first quarter while making a cut down the lane for a pass. He immediately felt discomfort in the back of his left leg and had to leave the game after trying to continue playing and defending Alperen Şengün in the post.
Interim head coach Doug Christie called a timeout as Sabonis had to be helped off the court. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Jonas Valančiūnas stepped in for Sabonis and contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds in 30 minutes. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 21 points and six assists, while Zach LaVine added 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Despite Sabonis’ absence, Şengün shined for the Rockets with a game-high 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Jalen Green scored 24 points, and Tari Eason chipped in 14. The loss dropped Houston to a 37-23 record, but they hold onto the 5th spot in the Western Conference.
Sabonis, who is having a stellar season averaging 19.9 points and 14.4 rebounds while shooting 43% from beyond the arc, is a critical piece for the Kings. In his nine-year NBA career, he has averaged 16.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a 36% shooting percentage from three-point range.
With the win, Sacramento climbed to the 8th spot in the Western Conference standings with a 31-28 record, surpassing the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Kings have now won three straight games and six of their last eight. They are set to face the Mavericks on Monday.