Raynaud avoids serious injury, will be re-evaluated in two weeks

The Sacramento Kings received some encouraging news Sunday following a scary scene involving Maxime Raynaud during Saturday night’s preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors.

Raynaud underwent an MRI on his right knee after leaving Sacramento’s 111-106 loss to Golden State, and the Kings said imaging revealed a right patellar subluxation. Raynaud will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks.

The injury occurred in the second quarter when Raynaud was setting a screen for rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. on Stephen Curry and his right knee appeared to buckle as he made contact.

Raynaud immediately went down in obvious pain and grabbed his knee. He was eventually wheeled off the court and left the arena on crutches.

Given how the injury happened and Raynaud’s immediate reaction, it was understandable that the Kings could be dealing with a much more serious knee injury. The MRI results provided some relief, although Raynaud is still expected to miss time.

Just In: The Sacramento Kings say center Maxime Raynaud suffered a right patellar subluxation and will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks. https://t.co/1WKa6wHq6c

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 11, 2026

More on Sacramento Kings C Maxime Raynaud

Before suffering the injury, Maxime Raynaud was putting together another impressive preseason performance.

The 7-foot-1 center scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds in just nine minutes of action. Raynaud went 3-of-3 from the field and knocked down one 3-pointer before his night was cut short.

Raynaud emerged as a key piece of Sacramento’s plans after a strong rookie season. He averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 74 games last season, establishing himself as a reliable frontcourt option and one of the more promising young players on the roster.

His absence will force the Kings to adjust their center rotation to begin the season.

Dylan Cardwell appeared to be in a strong position to receive the backup minutes behind Domantas Sabonis entering the season, particularly because of his defensive tendencies.

With Raynaud sidelined, Cardwell will likely have an opportunity to take on a larger role until Raynaud is cleared to return.

Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings yells after making a basket while being fouled against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Precious Achiuwa should also get time at center, while Ben Simmons gives head coach Doug Christie another option when Sacramento needs someone who can defend bigger players.

The Kings avoided the worst-case scenario with the Maxime Raynaud injury, but his absence is still significant for a team that was counting on his continued development entering his second NBA season.

For now, Sacramento will have to wait on Raynaud’s return and bank on Sabonis, Cardwell, and Achiuwa to hold things down at center, with the 2026-27 regular season set to tip off next week.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

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• Jerry Reynolds: Why the Sacramento Kings could outperform low win projections
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Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PT)

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Wednesday, October 21st @ Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 P.M. PT)
• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)

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