Malik Monk (ankle) ruled out Wednesday vs. Clippers

Initially questionable for Wednesday’s season opener, Monk’s status is trending in the wrong direction. If he can’t play, rookie Emanuel Sharp’s role could expand, but he won’t be worth the streaming risk in most leagues.

Monk is managing a left ankle injury, but if he suits up, he should see plenty of time as the backup point guard. If he isn’t able to suit up, rookie Emanuel Sharp could end up taking on a larger role off the bench, though he won’t be worth streaming in.

Simmons’ 2026-27 season reportedly ended in devastating fashion days before his official return to the NBA. The 6-foot-10 guard/forward signed with the Kings with the expectation that he would back up rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr. However, Simmons showed enough during the preseason to earn a starting spot alongside Acuff. Sunday’s injury changes that, obviously, with Precious Achiuwa and De’Andre Hunter being potential replacements in the starting five. As for the point guard rotation, Malik Monk will be asked to take on more playmaking responsibilities off the bench.

Between the California Classic and Las Vegas, Sharp has delivered some quality performances for the Kings. Despite the 32-point defeat, the second-round pick’s performance was a bright spot, as he shot 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. While Alex Karaban (four points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal) has largely struggled since returning from a sprained ankle, Sharp has looked comfortable on both ends of the floor. Given his experience and shooting ability, it would be unsurprising if Sharp cracked the Kings’ rotation as a rookie.

Sharp was productive during the California Classic, and he brought that with him to Las Vegas. He led the Kings in scoring, with most of that coming at the free throw line. He’s showcased a knack for swiping steals and knocking down triples. Both of those will play well in fantasy hoops. Among second-round picks, Sharp has been one of the most enticing in this class and could end up carving out a role early on.

Of the key Kings players active at the California Classic, Sharp was the only one made available for Sunday’s game. The second-round pick shot 4-of-12 from beyond the arc and worked well with fellow guard Isaiah Stevens (18/1/4/1 with one three-pointer) to lead Sacramento to a second win in as many days. Given his experience at the college level, Sharp can play on or off the ball, which should serve him well with the Kings.

Sacramento added Sharp with the 45th pick last month, and the experienced guard was able to make a well-rounded impact in his first game as a King. This stat line is similar to his college averages, where he was an effective scorer and good source of steals, though his field goal percentage was subpar. Sharp will continue to play a large role during summer league and may be part of the rotation as a rookie, especially with Devin Carter now in Atlanta.

After coming off the bench as a redshirt freshman, Sharp started all but five of the 111 games he played in the final three seasons of his Houston career. Last season, he averaged 15.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.6 three-pointers, shooting 37.2 percent from three and 89.1 percent from the foul line. Sharp’s overall field-goal percentage was just 41.3, but his ability to knock down perimeter shots and compete defensively is where he shines. Between Sharp, Darius Acuff Jr. and Alex Karaban, the Kings have gone with players from successful college programs in this draft to help with their rebuild. What happens to Sharp’s opportunities depends in part on what happens with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. If the Kings can move off of one or both of those contracts, more opportunities will be available.

The three veterans won’t be available for Sunday’s season finale. The absences of DeRozan, Westbrook and Monk have benefited Devin Carter, Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden. That will remain the case on Sunday, with Carter coming off a 29-point effort in Friday’s win over the Warriors.

Monk is back after missing Friday’s win over the Pelicans for personal reasons. He’ll provide depth and production off the bench, and his return is likely to result in fewer minutes for Daeqwon Plowden.