Malik Monk (foot) sits out of practice while Alex Len (ankle) returns

After being listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the Boston Celtics, Sixth Man of the Year candidate and Sacramento Kings’ guard Malik Monk could hold a similar injury designation heading into Friday night.

Monk, who had one of his worst showings in recent memory during a 144-119 loss to the Celtics, didn’t look like himself over 26 minutes of action (10 points on three-of-10 shooting).

According to a league source, Monk did not participate in Thursday’s practice as the Kings prepare to play the first game of a back-to-back on Friday against the Phoenix Suns.

Malik Monk did not participate in today’s practice due to right foot irritation. More on Monk’s status for tomorrow will be available on this evening’s injury report.

Alex Len (ankle) was a full participant.

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) December 21, 2023

More on Malik Monk & Alex Len

While Monk did not participate, he was inside the Golden 1 Center practice facility getting treatment from the Kings’ medical staff.

If Monk cannot play, Sacramento could lean on players like Keon Ellis and Chris Duarte to fill the void. Monk will likely be listed as questionable against Phoenix.

Len, who has missed the past 17 games due to a right high ankle sprain suffered on November 13th, was a full participant in Thursday’s practice and is close to being ready for game action. It’s unknown if Len will be available on Friday, but the veteran big man is close to a return.

The Kings have struggled to find stability at the backup center position, with JaVale McGee’s minutes fluctuating and Trey Lyles sliding over into a small-ball-five role in certain matchups. Having Len back will give head coach Mike Brown another candidate to place behind All-Star center Domantas Sabonis on the depth chart, especially for a Sacramento team that could use a physical presence in the post.

An update on Monk and Len’s status for Friday night will become available at 5:30 pm PST once the Kings submit their injury report to the league.

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will continue its six-game homestand on Friday when they play the first night of a back-to-back against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns.

The Kings will face the Suns on Friday before completing the homestand on Saturday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Suns coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from Golden 1 Center.

Upcoming Schedule

• Friday, December 22nd – Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns – 7:00 PM PST
• Saturday, December 23rd – Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – 7:00 PM PST
• Tuesday, December 26th – Sacramento Kings @ Portland Trail Blazers – @ 7:00 PM PST
• Friday, December 29th – Sacramento Kings @ Atlanta Hawks – 4:30 PM PST
• Sunday, December 31st – Sacramento Kings @ Memphis Grizzlies – 5:00 PM PST

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