The Sacramento Kings’ injury news took another hit this week, as two rotational players are listed as out for at least two to three weeks. The Kings’ bench has also taken a hit this off-season, losing a first-year rookie for at least six months due to surgery. Not all is bad news, though, as two key performers are expected back and healthy.
Kings Injury News: Multiple Players Linked to Updated Reports
Two Rotational Players Sidelined for the Kings
Recent Sacramento Kings injury news reports that multiple players are in flux for the season’s start due to injury reasons. With the 2024-25 NBA season just weeks away from officially kicking off, the Kings are already experiencing injury-related tidings to a couple of key rotational players, as well as updates regarding two of the team’s best shooters.
Trey Lyles, Jordan McLaughlin, Malik Monk, and Kevin Huerter are the players in question.
Malik Monk & Kevin Huerter
In Monk and Huerter’s case, the news isn’t as worrisome, considering they are listed as probable for the start of the season. Huerter had his season cut short last year due to a left shoulder issue. His recovery has been on track so far, and he is expected to be ready by October 24th when the Kings meet the Minnesota Timberwolves for their season opener. As for Monk, the sharpshooter also suffered an injury last season—a sprained right MCL—which knocked him out for the remainder of the Kings season. He, too, has been recovering nicely and is expected to be ready alongside Huerter.
Monk re-upped in Sacramento over the summer on a four-year deal. Having Monk and Huerter back and healthy in the line-up is great news. Considering the Kings’ major off-season move that brought DeMar DeRozan to town, having two of the team’s best long-range shooters on the floor is crucial.
Trey Lyles & Jordan McLaughlin
The not-so-good report in the Kings’ injury news is the multiple weeks Lyles and McLaughlin are expected to miss. Lyles sustained a left groin strain during off-season workouts. McLaughlin also experienced an off-season workout mishap in the form of a Grade 2 ankle sprain. According to the Kings, both players’ injuries will be reevaluated in two to three weeks.
After signing a one-year deal this summer, McLaughlin enters his first season with the Kings. He is expected to compete with Keon Ellis as De’Aaron Fox‘s backup partner at point guard. However, due to the latest injury news, Ellis will most likely slide into that role for the pre-season and however much longer McLaughlin is out.
Lyles improved greatly last season for the Kings and turned himself into a reliable role player. He mostly upped his production in the three-point category, averaging 38.4%—his highest shooting percentage since joining the Kings in 2021.
Tough Start to Kings Pre-season
Lyles and McLaughlin are not expected to be missed long-term. Still, their absences in training camp and the pre-season could make things difficult for the Kings roster-wise. Presently, their bench is undermanned. Rookie Devin Carter was already lost for most of the season due to surgery on his left shoulder.
The Kings are one of the teams in the West to contend for a playoff spot this season. Acquiring DeRozan to play alongside Fox and Domantas Sabonis was a solid move by the organization. The Kings are certainly in play this year and should be expecting big results. Hopefully, these early injuries remain minor, and their roster will stay healthy throughout the campaign.
