Sacramento Kings' Big Man Diagnosed With Fracture In Thumb Ligament

It sounds like a devastating diagnosis for Sacramento Kings' dominant big man Domantas Sabonis: an "avulsion fracture" in his thumb. But the two-time All-Star center is determined to play through it. 

Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis has suffered a fractured ligament in his right thumb. He will attempt to play through the injury and is listed questionable Tuesday vs. Denver.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 27, 2022

NBA injury expert Jeff Stotts explains exactly what an "avulsion fracture" is, and how there's precedent for playing through it.

Re: Domantas Sabonis: An avulsion fracture means the UCL of his thumb tore away a piece of bone, not that the ligament is fractured. Multiple players, including Chris Paul & Avery Bradley, have sustained the injury. Bradley opted to play through the injury & did not miss time.

— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) December 27, 2022

The injury means that the ulnar collateral ligament of his thumb tore away a piece of bone: the UCL itself is not fractured. He notes that Avery Bradley in the past elected to play through it without surgery and didn't miss any time. Chris Paul, however, suffered the same injury this past February, and missed a full month—15 games. 

The injury is to Sabonis's non-shooting hand, suffered this past Friday in Sacramento's 125-111 loss to the Washington Wizards.

His impact on the Kings' return to respectability this season can't be understated. He's averaging 17.9 points, a league-leading 12.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists. The Kings are 17-14 in 6th spot in the Western Conference. They're trying to end a 16-year playoff drought.

Photo: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports