The Sacramento Kings will have their depth truly tested with the latest injury news on Malik Monk.
Monk exited Friday’s contest against the Dallas Mavericks after playing just two minutes, much to the horror of the fans at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.
Mavs star Luka Doncic drove against Monk in the first quarter, leading to an awkward fall for the Kings guard. Monk was immediately seen grabbing his right knee and writhing in pain.
Here's a look at what happened to Malik Monk, clutched his right knee which Luka Doncic landed on. Monk is now in the Kings locker room. pic.twitter.com/DwAcjc9fZO
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) March 30, 2024
Sacramento Kings Will Need To Survive Early Postseason Without Malik Monk
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Monk has suffered a sprained right MCL. The diagnosis is reportedly that the Kings scorer will be sidelined for the next four to six weeks.
ESPN Sources: Sacramento Kings G Malik Monk has suffered a sprained right MCL and is expected to miss four-to-six weeks. Monk — who’s had a career-best season — needs a Kings run in the Western Conference playoffs to return this season. pic.twitter.com/5Q3isJ0U1N
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 30, 2024
With the postseason set to begin in fewer than three weeks, the Kings will likely need to advance further into the playoffs for Monk to be able to return. That would entail the Kings, who are currently the eighth seed as of writing, winning their play-in contest and potentially getting past the first round without Monk.
Monk is a key piece part of the Kings’ rotation and arguably their third-best player. He’s a near-lock for the Sixth Man of the Year Award with averages of 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game on 44.3% shooting from the field. Monk has come off the bench in all 72 of his games played this season.
The Sacramento Kings’ Guard Rotation Is Paper-Thin
The Kings are already down starting shooting guard Kevin Huerter, who is slated to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. Huerter has struggled of late, which might have to do with his shoulder, but he provides added veteran depth for a Kings lineup that prides itself with having several weapons.
Huerter averagaed 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 44.3% shooting from the field. He also shot a career-low 36.1% clip from beyond the arc. Monk and Huerter are the Kings’ third and sixth top scorers, respectively.
With Monk and Huerter both out, the Kings will need to rely heavily on Keon Ellis, Davion Mitchell, and Chris Duarte to fill in the gaps left by the injured veterans.
