Why Kings star Domantas Sabonis isn’t playing against Heat

Domantas Sabonis was ruled out of the Sacramento Kings' Sunday night game against the Miami Heat due to left knee soreness. The issue involves the same knee in which Sabonis suffered a torn meniscus that required surgery and ended his 2025-26 season after 19 games.

Sabonis had been averaging 16.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists through six appearances this season for the 1-8 Kings. His absence comes amid trade speculation linking him to the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets, with Dylan Cardwell and Precious Achiuwa expected to see expanded frontcourt minutes against Miami.