Raynaud has kneecap injury; Kings set two-week reevaluation

Sacramento center Maxime Raynaud has a right patellar subluxation and will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks, the Kings announced Sunday after an MRI of his injured knee.

The update gives Sacramento a diagnosis after Raynaud left Saturday's 111-106 preseason loss to Golden State with 2:32 remaining in the second quarter. He went down while setting a screen and was taken off the floor in a wheelchair. The Kings' statement says further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Marc Stein shared the team's announcement Sunday afternoon.

The timetable is for another evaluation, rather than a confirmed date for Raynaud to play. Sacramento opens the regular season October 21 against the Clippers in Los Angeles, then hosts Portland on October 23. Both games fall before the roughly two-week checkpoint specified in the announcement.

Raynaud was an All-Rookie Second Team selection last season. Field Level Media reported that he averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 74 games, making 56 starts. After the All-Star break, his averages rose to 17.3 points and 9.2 rebounds. His absence removes a young center who earned a substantial role during his first season.

Domantas Sabonis remains Sacramento's starting center. Field Level Media and NBC Sports Bay Area identified Precious Achiuwa and Dylan Cardwell as players who could take additional reserve minutes while Raynaud is unavailable. The Kings have not announced a return-to-play date or a fixed replacement rotation.

Saturday also brought Ben Simmons and Keegan Murray back into preseason action, according to The Kings Herald's report. Simmons played nine minutes and Murray eight. Those returns give Sacramento other players to evaluate, while the medical update leaves the club waiting for Raynaud's next assessment.

Sources

NBC Sports Bay Area: Raynaud MRI and schedule · Field Level Media: Raynaud update and rotation · Team statement and preseason returns