Kings-Clippers injury report: Leonard, monk status revealed

Through 15 games, the Sacramento Kings sit in last place in the Pacific Division with an 8-7 record, but optimism that they will climb the ranks.

The Kings have had to play the last three games without All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan and the last two without All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis, so star point guard De’Aaron Fox has had to carry the load.

Fortunately for the Kings, they are expected to have both DeRozan and Sabonis back on the court for their next matchup. The Kings travel to face the division rival Los Angeles Clippers on Friday in an NBA Cup group stage game.

Each team has released their injury reports ahead of Friday’s matchup in LA.

Devin Carter – OUT (shoulder)

Isaiah Crawford – OUT (ankle)

Mason Jones – OUT (hamstring)

Malik Monk – OUT (ankle)

Kawhi Leonard – OUT (knee)

Norman Powell – OUT (hamstring)

PJ Tucker – OUT (Personal)

The Clippers will remain without superstar forward Kawhi Leonard, who has yet to suit up this season. However, a new addition to their injury report is star guard Norman Powell. Powell has been their leading scorer this season at 23.3 points per game. match.

Without Powell, the Clippers will take a huge hit on the offensive side of the ball and will have to rely on their elite defensive play to keep pace with the Kings on Friday.

The Kings will still be without star sixth man Malik Monk, who is now set to miss his sixth straight game with a sprained ankle. Once the Kings get Monk back on the court to lead their bench unit, the team will be in much better shape going forward.

Coming off three days of rest and getting two of their stars back on the court, the Kings have a serious advantage in Friday’s matchup that they need to take advantage of.

The Kings and Clippers tip off at 7:30pm PST on Friday.

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