Sacramento Kings Face Injury Challenges Ahead of Season Opener

Sacramento, California – The Sacramento Kings wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a disappointing 1-3 record, compounded by significant injuries to key players as they prepare for the upcoming regular season. The Kings’ season opener is set for October 22 in Phoenix against the Suns.

In their preseason finale, the Kings managed to secure a win, but the outlook heading into the regular season is far from optimistic. The team confirmed that Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray will miss the opener due to injuries, while sophomore forward Isaac Jones has been sidelined by an illness. These absences create a tough situation for Sacramento as they look to start strong against a competitive opponent.

Head coach Mike Brown’s expected starting lineup for the game includes Dennis Schroder, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Dario Saric, and Drew Eubanks. This lineup may struggle to achieve success with two of the team’s starters unavailable.

The Phoenix Suns prepare for this divisional matchup with their own injury woes, as star guard Jalen Green will also miss the game with a right hamstring strain. Green, who joined the Suns in a blockbuster trade involving Kevin Durant, was expected to make an impact but will have to wait due to injury concerns. Grayson Allen is also marked as probable with left hip soreness.

Suns head coach Jordan Ott expressed frustration about Green’s setback, noting, “We all know the soft tissue injuries are really hard to see exactly the progress. Thankfully, we caught it early; it’s not that serious, but he wants to be out there.” Green’s absence creates another obstacle for a team that let go of significant players during the offseason.

Both teams face the challenge of starting the season without key players, and their health concerns may hinder their ability to compete effectively early on. The matchup is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. PT at the Mortgage Matchup Centre in Phoenix.