Kings’ Monk and Sabonis Cleared for Activity, Miss Upcoming Games

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings prepare for a demanding stretch in the season without two key players—All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis and starting guard Malik Monk—both sidelined by injuries as they head into weekend matchups.

Monk, who suffered a right toe sprain during the second quarter of the Kings’ win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, has been cleared for on-court activity and completed an individual workout on Saturday. However, he will miss his third consecutive game when the Kings face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The team announced that Sabonis, who has missed the last four games due to a left hamstring strain, is also out for the next two contests but has been cleared for on-court activities.

Neither player will travel with the team to Los Angeles for the game against the Clippers, according to multiple reports. This injury setback affects two crucial players for Sacramento, especially as they aim to solidify their standings in the Western Conference.

This season, Monk has been impressive with career highs, averaging 17.6 points on 44.1 percent shooting, alongside 3.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.0 steals in 32.5 minutes over 52 games (39 starts). Since he became the starting point guard, after being promoted from the bench, Monk has logged an average of 16.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists over his last 12 games.

Despite the absence of Sabonis, the Kings have performed well, posting a 3-1 record in the games without him. This season, Sabonis has averaged 19.9 points on an impressive 59.6 percent shooting from the field, including 43.2 percent from beyond the arc.

With Monk unavailable against the Clippers, Keon Ellis is expected to get the starting nod alongside Zach LaVine on Friday. Ellis saw significant action in the previous game against Denver, logging 38 minutes and providing 11 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

While both players are currently ruled out, their injuries are not expected to have long-term implications. Sabonis is scheduled for a re-evaluation on Sunday, although he may require more than the standard one-week recovery period. Monk’s status as day-to-day offers some hope for a quick return, particularly with a subsequent matchup against the New York Knicks awaiting them.

Kings interim head coach Doug Christie, praised for adeptly managing the team’s dynamics amidst roster changes, is focused on the upcoming games. Former head coach Jerry Reynolds noted Christie’s effective strategies as Sacramento navigates this season’s challenges while remaining optimistic about the team’s cohesion.