Kings rule out key player for game vs. Denver Nuggets as Sacramento seeks 5th straight win
The Sacramento Kings will be without a key player Wednesday night when they take on the Denver Nuggets as they try to push their winning streak to five games.
Starting point guard Malik Monk has been ruled out due to a right toe sprain suffered in Monday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks, a league source said..
Monk left Monday’s game at the end of the first quarter to get checked by the team’s medical staff before eventually returning to the game. He finished with 13 points and eight assists, but the injury worsened during the team’s trip to Denver.
Monk was moved to the starting lineup in early December to give Sacramento’s offense a boost and he remained in the starting back court alongside newcomer Zach LaVine after De’Aaron Fox was traded to the San Antonio Spurs.
Monk has assumed point guard duties and has averaged 16.3 points, 6.0 assists and 3.3 turnovers in 12 games since Fox was traded. His shooting efficiency has dipped to 41.5% from the floor and 29.7% from 3-point range.
It’s likely the Kings (32-28) would turn to Keon Ellis to start in Monk’s place. Ellis has been the Kings’ top defender throughout the season. He ranks sixth in the NBA with 3.4 deflections per game while averaging 8.0 points and shooting 43.8% from 3 on 3.9 attempts per game.
Monk last missed a game Jan. 14 in Milwaukee with a groin injury. The Kings lost 130-115, ending a seven-game win streak.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 11:21 AM.
