Kings Star Receives Major Injury Update vs. Thunder

A Sacramento Kings star could be making his return to the court on Monday night.

Dec 29, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) reacts with guard Malik Monk (0) after the Kings defeated the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Sacramento Kings shooting guard Malik Monk intends to make his return to the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night (per Chris Haynes | X). The Sixth Man of the Year runner-up from last season has missed seven straight games with an ankle injury.

Monk, who is in his third year with the Kings after signing a new contract this past summer, is a key piece to Sacramento's success. His ability to attack the rim and create opportunities for his teammates cannot be overlooked along with his late-game clutch gene. Monk's expected return comes at the perfect time as the Kings are in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

Sources: Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk will go through pregame warmups with the intention of making his return tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing the past seven games. pic.twitter.com/YRIQfyhlfX

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 25, 2024

In Sunday night's loss to the Brooklyn Nets, the Kings' bench only put up nine total points. In his first few games this season, Monk averaged 12.6 points by himself off the bench. His availability in Mike Brown's rotation is key to the team's success, especially because he allows scorers De'Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan to earn some rest during games.

Monk will warm up with the team during the pre-game shootaround and go from there. If he is given the green light, the Kings might have an opportunity to take down the top dog in the Western Conference. The Thunder currently sit at 12-4 but have lost two of their last three games, showing some signs of vulnerability.

Malik Monk flashes the handle and finishes with finesse!

Thunder-Kings | LIVE on the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/oP0rpdbh2R pic.twitter.com/tXbvl7a8jE

— NBA (@NBA) February 11, 2024

In his last game against the Thunder, Monk dropped 26 points along with four rebounds and five assists while shooting 60% from three. Any attempt to replicate that performance would go a long way for a Kings team looking to climb back to an even 9-9 record.

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