Kings’ Christie declines to detail Sabonis, Monk injuries with opener a week away

Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie declined to specify what injuries, if any, Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk are dealing with after both sat out Tuesday’s preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers, according to reports, citing Sactown Sports’ Brenden Nunes.

“First and foremost, it’s preseason. So what we really want to do is get everybody healthy and ramped up for the regular season,” Christie said. “As soon as they are ready, we’ll see them on the floor.” Asked whether that meant either player was not healthy, Christie said only that it meant they were not playing against the Blazers.

Sabonis is expected to start at center for Sacramento, with Monk reprising his role as the team’s super sub. Sabonis was limited to 19 games last season by a knee injury, averaging 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds.

No diagnosis offered either way

Christie’s comments confirm the absences but not any injury. Neither Sabonis nor Monk has a public designation or timetable, and preseason caution remains a possible explanation alongside an undisclosed issue.

Portland won Tuesday’s game 110-98. The Kings open the regular season October 21 at the LA Clippers.