With the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup tipping off in late August, plenty of eyes will be on the NBA talent set to represent their respective countries.
In addition to the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Lithuania and Serbia are among the countries that will roll out multiple NBA players as 32 nations vie for the gold.
Lithuania, specifically, has a unique advantage in the frontcourt duo it forms by pairing Kings center Domantas Sabonis and Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas. This year, however, Sabonis won't be on hand at the World Cup to dominate the paint as he does during the NBA season.
Why isn't Sabonis suiting up for Lithuania? The Sporting News has more on his status below.
MORE: Domantas Sabonis excited to prove the Kings were no fluke
Why Domantas Sabonis isn't playing for Lithuania at FIBA Basketball World Cup
When Lithuania announced its preliminary roster for the World Cup, Sabonis was not listed, indicating that he will not be playing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Sabonis is unable to represent Lithuania at the World Cup due to a thumb injury he sustained during the 2022-23 NBA season. Sabonis played with his thumb heavily wrapped throughout the second half of the season.
Contrary to early reporting, Sabonis did not undergo surgery, but his strict rehab protocol will not permit him to participate in the World Cup, per Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.
Last season, Sabonis was extremely durable for the Kings, averaging a team-high 34.6 minutes over 79 regular-season games. Sabonis appeared in all seven of Sacramento's playoff games despite suffering a sternum contusion after receiving a stomp to the chest from Draymond Green.
Lithuania will certainly feel Sabonis' absence. The big man is coming off of a season in which he led the league in rebounds, earned the first All-NBA selection of his career and his third All-Star selection.
Most years, Sabonis forms a bruising frontcourt duo with Valanciunas. Now, Lithuania will lean on Valanciunas, former NBA player Donatas Motiejunas and former second-round draft pick Ignas Brazdeikis.
You can find Lithuania's FIBA World Cup schedule below.
Lithuania schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Lithuania is in Group D alongside Egypt, Mexico and Montenegro. It will play its first round Group Stage games at Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Aug. 25 | Egypt | 8:30 a.m. |
| Aug. 27 | Mexico | 8:30 a.m. |
| Aug. 29 | Montenegro | 8:30 a.m. |
When is the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
- Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
- Locations: Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will begin on Friday, Aug. 25. The group stage will take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.
The championship game will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10.
How to watch 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup: TV channels and live streams
- Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
- TV channels: ESPN2
- Live stream: ESPN+ | Courtside 1891 | Sling TV
In the United States, all 92 FIBA Basketball World Cup games will be available to watch on either ESPN2 or ESPN+. Basketball fans can also stream the games via Courtside 1891 or Sling TV.
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