Sacramento Kings Suffer Another Huge Injury Blow Ahead of Playoffs

Another key member of the Sacramento Kings rotation has been sidelined for at least a month, taking him out of the lineup heading into the playoffs. According to insider Shams Charania, Malik Monk will miss four-to-six weeks with a right MCL sprain.

"Malik Monk, Sixth Man of the Year leader, he will miss at least four weeks with an MCL sprain."

Tough blow for the 7-seed Kings, per @ShamsCharania 🗣️

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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 1, 2024

Monk had established himself as the leading contender for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award, averaging 15.4 points, 5.1 assists, and over 26 minutes a game. 

"Monk will miss at least four weeks with an MCL sprain," said Charania. "You know how electric and dynamic he has been ever since he signed with the Kings a couple of years ago. He plays starter's minutes and is their third-best player on any given night... This is a team that's fighting for a Play-In position right now."

Indeed, the Kings are tied for the 7th-seed at the moment in the Western Conference with the Phoenix Suns, just a game and a half up on the Los Angeles Lakers in 9th. They are also just two games back of the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks for a guaranteed playoff spot in the top six, but with two key injuries, those hopes could be fading in Sacramento.

The Monk news comes on the heels of the announcement that Kevin Huerter is done for the year, with season-ending surgery on a dislocated left shoulder and a labral tear.

Photo: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports