Maxime Raynaud Leaves Kings Preseason Game With Knee Injury

Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud left the team's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, October 10, 2026, after suffering a knee injury while setting a screen for Darius Acuff Jr. at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Medical staff wheeled the second-year player off the court, and the Kings ruled him out after halftime began.

Raynaud went down as Stephen Curry attempted to navigate the screen, according to Sports Illustrated's coverage of the game. The injury interrupted a promising performance from the French center, who had recorded 10 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block while making all three of his field-goal attempts, including his only three-point shot.

The incident raises questions about Sacramento's frontcourt rotation as the team prepares for the regular season. The Kings have not provided a confirmed diagnosis or announced a recovery timeline in the available reports.

Raynaud earned a place on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team last season after averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He shot 57.1% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range, establishing himself as a potential contributor alongside starting center Domantas Sabonis or as a reserve.

His injury comes as Sacramento manages Sabonis' own absence during the preseason. According to RotoWire, Sabonis missed Saturday's game with an undisclosed issue, marking his second consecutive preseason game on the sidelines. The Kings had not publicly identified a specific injury for Sabonis in that report.

Precious Achiuwa started at center against Golden State despite Sabonis being unavailable, RotoWire reported before the game. Raynaud had accumulated 25 points and 18 rebounds across his first two preseason appearances and was expected to receive regular frontcourt minutes, primarily backing up Sabonis when the veteran was healthy.

The Kings have several other options to cover the center position if Raynaud misses additional time. Dylan Cardwell and Precious Achiuwa could take on larger roles, while Jonathan Mogbo could receive more opportunities. Mogbo is on a two-way contract, and additional playing time could give him a chance to strengthen his case for a standard deal.

Raynaud's status is particularly relevant to Sacramento's plans because the team had been considering how to distribute minutes among its available big men. Before the injury, he was positioned to compete for a meaningful role in the rotation during his second NBA season.

According to RotoWire's report on Sabonis, the veteran center's next opportunity to return was scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, against Portland. The available reports did not establish whether Raynaud would be able to participate in that game or subsequent preseason contests.