Zalgiris Kaunas missing Saben Lee due to hamstring injury: EuroLeague opener in doubt

Zalgiris Kaunas announced on Tuesday that newly signed guard Saben Lee has suffered a hamstring strain and is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason. The 27-year-old will need several weeks to recover, leaving his availability for the EuroLeague opener in doubt. Lee was hurt during training. Team doctors ruled out a quick return, and Zalgiris will likely have to prepare for the start of the season without their planned backcourt addition. The Lithuanian club has already beaten Juventus and Sabah in warm-up games. This week they head to London for the London Lions Invitational Tournament. They face Paris Basketball on Thursday, September 10, then either London Lions or Slask Wroclaw a day later. Lee arrives at Zalgiris after two nomadic EuroLeague seasons. He played for Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv and Olympiacos in 2026-25, then featured for Olympiacos and Anadolu Efes in 2026-26. In his 48 EuroLeague career games, Lee averaged 7.8 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He was at his best after joining Efes, posting 11.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 16 appearances. Without him, Zalgiris will rely more on other guards. The extended break may also allow Lee to adapt to his new club, but the coaching staff must find temporary solutions soon. Zalgiris are known for patience and team play, so they are unlikely to rush Lee back. The London tournament will be a useful test. If Zalgiris can perform well without their new signing, it would ease the pressure before Lee returns. However, the EuroLeague is unforgiving, and a disrupted preseason can carry into the regular season.