The Sacramento Kings announced on Wednesday, guard Zach LaVine suffered a moderate left ankle sprain during Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. LaVine is listed as out and will be re-evaluated in a week.
LaVine suffered the injury with 5:20 left in the second quarter, forcing him to leave the game. An MRI confirmed the sprain, which was a significant setback for the Kings as they try to bounce back from a 6-20 start to the 2025-26 season.
Through 23 games, LaVine is averaging 20.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while playing 32.8 minutes. He was a key offensive contributor alongside DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis, who are averaging 17.7 and 17.2 points, respectively.
The Kings will now rely on their supporting cast to make up for LaVine’s absence. Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook, who average 13.0 and 13.8 points per game, are expected to see bigger roles.
Sacramento’s upcoming schedule will test the team’s depth, with games against Portland on December 18 and 20, Houston on December 21 and Detroit on December 23. The Kings will also face the Dallas Mavericks and LA Lakers before the end of the month.
Coach Doug Christie and the Kings medical staff will keep a close eye on LaVine, hoping for a smooth recovery that will allow him to return without further setbacks. His absence comes as Sacramento attempts to improve on a 6-20 record and regain competitive momentum in the Western Conference.
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