The Sacramento Kings’ hopes of qualifying for the playoffs have taken a hit after learning that Malik Monk will need more time to recover from a lower-leg injury, jeopardizing his chances to participate in the play-in tournament.
“Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk will be re-evaluated in two weeks due to a left calf strain, sources tell ESPN. This timetable sidelines Monk – averaging a career-high 17.2 points – for the rest of the regular season and Play-In games,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
Monk will finish the 2024-25 regular season with averages of 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 43.9 percent shooting from the field across 65 appearances (45 starts).
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He most recently suited up for Sacramento in last Monday’s 127-117 win over the Detroit Pistons. Monk only had two points, one assist, and one turnover off the bench, leaving the game early with his calf injury.
Sacramento Kings News: Doug Christie reacts to Malik Monk’s injury diagnosis
The Sacramento Kings are the ninth seed with a 39-41 record, and they will have to win two straight games to make it to the playoffs.
Malik Monk has been one of the team’s most important players. With him sidelined, interim head coach Doug Christie will be pressed to find his short-term replacement.
“It’s super unfortunate because we depend on him a lot,” Christie said about Monk via Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee. “In many ways, he is the leader of the team, definitely on the emotional side. A lot of the energy, the things that go on in the locker room, practice. He’s the head of the snake in many ways. He’ll still be around, obviously, but two weeks is two weeks and we need him. We need Malik’s energy, his shooting, his athleticism.”
