Report: Malik Monk plans to play vs. OKC

Nov 25, 2024, 1:00 PM | Updated: Nov 26, 2024, 7:48 am

Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at...

(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Following a two-week-plus stretch without their prized Sixth Man, the Sacramento Kings could get Malik Monk back on the hardwood for Monday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Monk will warm up with the intention of playing in Monday’s game at Golden 1 Center as the Kings play the second night of a back-to-back.

The Sixth Man of the Year runner-up has been sidelined since November 10th due to a right ankle sprain, but has participated in Sacramento’s non-contact portion of practices over the past week.

Monk was upgraded to questionable before being ruled out shortly before tip-off on Sunday night as the Kings went on to drop a 108-103 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

During Monk’s seven-game absence, Sacramento has posted a record of 2-5 while experiencing a significant drop-off in bench production. Monk’s 12.6 points per game have been sorely missed, as the Kings were outscored in bench points 44-9 against Brooklyn.

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

The return of Monk could also mean that relief is on the way for De’Aaron Fox, who currently leads the NBA in minutes played (642).

With Monk sidelined, Sacramento has lacked a true offensive hub that can fill Fox’s shoes when the star guard needs a breather. Now, Monk–who averaged a career-high 5.1 assists per game last season–appears to be on the verge of a return, and not a moment too soon.

Entering play on Monday night, the Kings (8-9) have lost three straight games and four of their past five contests overall.

Sacramento’s schedule gets more complicated from here, starting this week with matchups against Oklahoma City at home before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Wednesday.

More on Malik Monk & the Sacramento Kings

On a night with nostalgic qualities for the Sacramento Kings, the reality of the present continued to rear its ugly head.

The Kings debuted their ‘Classic Edition’ jerseys and throwback court—both from the 2003-04 season—with franchise legend Vlade Divac sitting courtside, but all of the good vibes seemed to evaporate as soon as action tipped off at Golden 1 Center on Sunday night.

Sacramento’s defense allowed the Brooklyn Nets to catch fire from three-point range en route to a 108-103 loss, dropping the Kings (8-9) back below the .500 mark.

Sacramento’s bad habits continue to form, as they allowed an opponent to make 19 or more triples for the fifth time this season (tied for the most in the NBA).

Although there is still plenty of season left to play, concerns surrounding this roster’s construction are getting louder by the day, with another tough test ahead of the Beam Team less than 24 hours away in the Oklahoma City Thunder.