Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk will be sidelined for their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday due to a right ankle sprain.
The Kings initially announced the news on Wednesday, stating that Monk had sustained the injury during a team practice. The team’s medical staff further evaluated him, confirming the ankle sprain.
Monk’s absence is a significant blow to the Kings, as he has been a key contributor this season. He is averaging 13.5 points and 4.4 assists in 25 minutes per game.
Without Monk, the Kings will likely rely more heavily on De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Kevin Huerter for offense. Monk’s departure could also open up minutes for Davion Mitchell or Terence Davis.
The Bucks enter Thursday’s game as one of the league’s top teams, holding a 17-6 record. While Monk’s absence may provide them with a slight advantage, they will still need to execute well to secure the victory.
The Kings have not provided a specific timeline for Monk’s return, but ankle sprains typically require 1-2 weeks to heal. The team will likely re-evaluate him after the Milwaukee game to determine his status for future contests.
Injuries are a common occurrence in the NBA, and they can have a significant impact on teams’ performance. In Monk’s case, his absence could disrupt the Kings’ chemistry and make it more difficult to win games.
However, injuries also present opportunities for other players to step up and contribute. The Kings will need to find a way to adjust without Monk and ensure that his absence does not derail their momentum.
