Sacramento Kings' Zach LaVine Injured in Loss to Timberwolves

During a game on December 14, 2025, Sacramento Kings leading scorer Zach LaVine sustained a left ankle injury in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves. LaVine, who was averaging 20.6 points per game, landed awkwardly after making a flip shot and converting a three-point play. He remained on the court for a few minutes before being evaluated and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game, which ended in a 117-103 defeat for the Kings.

ESPNSacramento Bee

LaVine's injury came shortly after his return from a right thumb injury that had sidelined him for the previous game. The Kings were already dealing with significant injuries, including the absence of three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, who has been out for nearly a month due to a partially torn meniscus, and center Drew Eubanks, who suffered a broken left thumb in the prior game against the Denver Nuggets.

ESPN

In the game against the Timberwolves, Julius Randle led Minnesota with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Jaden McDaniels contributed 21 points. The Timberwolves, who were without their star player Anthony Edwards due to right foot soreness, have won seven of their last eight games. For the Kings, DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa, and Dennis Schroder each scored 17 points. Notably, Schroder returned to the lineup after missing seven games due to a hip injury.

Sacramento Bee

The Kings initially took control of the game, leading by as many as nine points in the first quarter. However, they struggled to maintain their lead, particularly in the paint, finishing the game with a shooting percentage of just 2 for 11 in that area during the fourth quarter, as noted by Kings coach Doug Christie.

Sacramento Bee

LaVine's injury is a significant setback for the Kings, who have now lost three consecutive games and seven of their last eight. Following the injury, rookie Nique Clifford started in LaVine's place for the second half. Despite a strong effort to close the gap in the third quarter, the Kings could not overcome the Timberwolves' lead.

Sacramento Bee

The Kings will have a brief respite, with three days off before facing the Portland Trail Blazers on December 18, 2025. The Trail Blazers, led by Deni Avdija, are also struggling, having lost three straight games prior to their matchup against the Golden State Warriors.

Sacramento Bee

Kings coach Doug Christie expressed concern over the team's inability to finish plays, stating, “At the start of the fourth, I believe we were 2 for 11 in the paint. We didn’t finish the basketball.” The team will need to address these issues as they prepare for their upcoming games without LaVine.

Sacramento Bee

• “At the start of the fourth, I believe we were 2 for 11 in the paint,” — Doug Christie, Kings Coach

Sacramento Bee

• “LaVine came up limping when he rolled his left ankle on an and-1 basket with 5:20 to play in the opening half.” — Sacramento Bee Report

Sacramento Bee

• “LaVine stayed in the game after converting the three-point play, but he left with 2:21 remaining and limped back to the locker room for attention from the team’s medical staff.” — Sacramento Bee Report

Sacramento Bee

There are no conflicting reports regarding the injury itself, but the overall impact on the Kings' season remains to be seen as they navigate through ongoing injuries and a challenging schedule.

Sacramento Bee