Reports: Kings guard Malik Monk (knee) out 4 to 6 weeks”’

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk will be sidelined four to six weeks with a sprained MCL injury in his right knee, according to multiple reports on Saturday.

One of the leading candidates for NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Monk was hurt when he collided with Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks in the first quarter of the Kings’ 107-103 loss on Friday night.

The timing of the injury means Monk will miss the rest of the regular season. Sacramento would likely have to reach the second round of the Western Conference playoffs for Monk to have a chance at playing again this season.

The Kings (42-31) are currently in eighth place in the West, two games behind the Mavericks for the final top-six guaranteed playoff spot. Dallas just swept the Kings in a two-game set in Sacramento.

It is the second big injury setback in two days for the Kings. Starting shooting guard Kevin Huerter will undergo season-ending left shoulder surgery due to an injury he sustained March 18 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Malik Monk, 26, is averaging career highs of 15.4 points and 5.1 assists in 72 games off the bench this season, his second with Sacramento. He has made 148 3-pointers while shooting at a 35-percent clip from behind the arc.

Monk has career averages of 11.6 points and 2.8 assists in seven NBA seasons with the Charlotte Hornets (2017-21), Los Angeles Lakers (2021-22) and Kings. He has knocked down 799 career treys