Kings guard Monk, ankle, out at least two weeks

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk will be out for at least two weeks after suffering what the team is calling a moderate right ankle sprain, the team announced Monday.

“Malik is obviously big for us,” De’Aaron Fox told reporters in Phoenix. “He’s a sixth starter. He can start for a lot of teams … if he is out for some time, obviously like last year, it hurt us big time.”

Monk suffered the injury early in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night when he stepped on Mason Plumlee‘s foot when attempting to close out a corner shot by Grayson Allen.

After sitting on the ground for a few moments, Monk hobbled off the court. He did not return to the game.

X-ray imaging revealed no structural damage to Monk’s ankle.

Monk is averaging 13.6 points, 3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 25 minutes through the first 10 games for the 6-4 Kings.

“He’s had a great season for us so far,” Kings coach Mike Brown said. “He’s another ball handler, playmaker, defensively he’s been doing a fantastic job, and to lose somebody as dynamic as him, it’s tough, but … next man up. We have to have a next-man-up mentality.”

Sacramento plays seven games over the next two weeks before Monk’s reevaluation date.