Malik Monk scores 19, cleared to return Thursday after illness

malik monk scored 19 points and handed out a team-high six assists in Sacramento’s 139-122 loss to San Antonio on Saturday night, and he has been cleared to return to the lineup for Thursday’s game against Orlando after missing three games with an illness.

Malik Monk led Kings' bench with 19 points Saturday

Monk finished 8-of-16 from the field, 3-of-9 from long range and 5-of-7 at the free-throw line in the outing, playing 28 minutes — his most since playing 33 minutes on January 23. He reached double figures in scoring for the fourth straight game while posting a team-high six assists in the 139-122 defeat.

Over five February contests he is averaging 13. 6 points, 1. 4 rebounds and 3. 2 assists. The 28-minute night on Saturday marked a clear uptick in court time compared with his recent role.

Cleared after missing games; set to face Orlando Thursday

An illness sidelined Monk for the team’s final three games before the All-Star break, but he was not listed on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Magic and has been given the green light to return. Prior to the break, over his last nine outings he averaged 15. 6 points, 3. 1 assists, 2. 0 rebounds and 3. 2 made three-pointers in 24. 0 minutes per game.

Minutes likely to remain elevated with LaVine out for the year

With Zach LaVine out for the year, Monk should continue to see plenty of minutes. His recent string of double-figure scoring nights and the team-high six assists on Saturday underscore the role he has been asked to fill in LaVine's absence.

Monk’s next confirmed opportunity to play is Thursday against Orlando, when he is expected to be available after the illness-related absence. The Kings’ rotation and his minutes in that game will provide the next clear picture of how he slots back into the lineup.