The Sacramento Kings will be missing one of their top guards when they face the Milwaukee Bucks, but another could be ready to return following a nine-day absence.
The Kings (1-4) have ruled Malik Monk out due to personal reasons for Saturday’s game at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Rookie first-round draft pick Nique Clifford has been upgraded to questionable after missing the past four games with a strained right hamstring.
In addition, Keegan Murray is still sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his left thumb. He is expected to be reevaluated in one to three weeks.
The Bucks (4-1) are listing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as questionable due to left knee patellar tendinopathy. Antetokounmpo was a late scratch for Thursday’s game against the Golden State Warriors.
Antetokounmpo has been virtually unstoppable so far this season. He is averaging 36.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.3 blocks.
Monk has been outstanding in a reserve role for Sacramento. He is averaging 15.6 points, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 54.7% from the field and 52% from 3-point range.
Clifford started in his NBA debut in Sacramento’s season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 22. He had two points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one blocked shot.