Kings' Injury Update: Nique Clifford Out, Domantas Sabonis Close to Return
The Sacramento Kings received mixed news ahead of their home opener against the Utah Jazz. Rookie Nique Clifford suffered a right hamstring strain in the season opener and will be reevaluated in a week, likely missing at least four games. On the bright side, Domantas Sabonis, who missed the first game due to a hamstring strain, was seen shooting on the court and is close to returning.
Clifford made his NBA debut in the absence of Sabonis and Keegan Murray. He contributed two points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 24 minutes before leaving the game with an injury. With Clifford out, Russell Westbrook and Keon Ellis are expected to see increased playing time.
Sabonis is set to be reevaluated soon, and while his return for the game against Utah is uncertain, there is a possibility he could be back for the matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. His absence was felt in the Kings' rebounding performance in the season opener, where they were outrebounded by the Suns.