The Sacramento Kings’ 2025-26 season has been a rollercoaster - and not the fun kind. As they head into Tuesday night’s matchup against the New York Knicks, they’re looking to snap a five-game losing streak, but they’ll be doing it without two of their key backcourt contributors. Both Zach LaVine and Malik Monk have been ruled out, further complicating things for a team already battling inconsistency and injuries.
LaVine is dealing with lower back soreness and will miss his second straight game. While he’s already sat out 13 games this season, this marks the first time he’s missed action since January 2. He was initially listed as questionable ahead of Sacramento’s recent game against Detroit but was ultimately downgraded to out.
Monk, meanwhile, is a new addition to the injury report with right ankle soreness. He tweaked the ankle during Sunday’s game, heading to the locker room just before halftime. Though he returned in the second half, the Kings are opting to play it safe and will hold him out against New York.
That’s a tough blow for Sacramento, especially considering Monk had been on one of his most productive stretches of the season. He dropped 19 points in just 22 minutes against the Pistons and has been a spark plug off the bench, providing the kind of scoring punch the Kings have desperately needed.
With both LaVine and Monk sidelined, head coach Mike Brown will have to turn to his young guards to pick up the slack. Rookie Nique Clifford, who got the starting nod in LaVine’s absence on Sunday, is expected to see extended minutes again. Keon Ellis and Devin Carter will also be asked to step up, as the Kings try to patch together a rotation that can keep them competitive.
And then there’s Russell Westbrook. The veteran guard has led the team in scoring in three of their last six games and will likely shoulder even more of the offensive load. While Westbrook’s explosiveness isn’t quite what it once was, his ability to push the pace and create offense remains a crucial asset for a team that’s been struggling to find rhythm.
The Kings are 12-35 on the season, and with a growing list of injuries, they’re heading into Madison Square Garden shorthanded against a Knicks team riding a two-game win streak. It’s not an ideal situation, but it’s one that could offer valuable reps for Sacramento’s younger players - and maybe a glimpse into what the future holds.
Here’s a look at Sacramento’s injury report heading into Tuesday night:
- Zach LaVine - OUT (lower back soreness)
- Malik Monk - OUT (right ankle soreness)
- Keegan Murray - OUT (left ankle sprain)
- Daeqwon Plowden - OUT (G League)
- Isaiah Stevens - OUT (G League)
- Trey Jemison III - OUT (G League)
- Dillon Jones - OUT (G League)
- Kevin McCullar Jr. - OUT (G League)
With multiple rotation players sidelined, the Kings will need a collective effort if they hope to end their losing streak and get back on track.