One figure notable by his absence in the preseason was Malik Monk. It's quite possible the illness that kept him out of preseason games three and four has been dogging him for weeks and slowing his game down. With injuries piling up, the Kings need their legendary sixth man more than ever.
The 2025-2026 preseason hasn't exactly been kind to the Sacramento Kings. They went one and three while also losing Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis to injuries. To make matters worse, some of their starters have been exceptionally unproductive.
When the chips are down for the Kings, the presence of Malik Monk usually lifts their spirits and helps the team get back in the game.