When the Sacramento Kings traveled to take on the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, star sixth man Malik Monk left the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury as the Kings had to earn an overtime victory without him.

The Kings were able to pull out Sunday’s win thanks to the clutch gene of All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan, but unfortunate news has hit Sacramento in Wednesday’s rematch between the two Pacific Division rivals.

The Kings announced that DeRozan will not return to Wednesday’s game against the Suns after leaving the game with lower back tightness.

DeRozan was able to play 17 minutes in the first half, but did not return with the team to start the second half. In the first half, DeRozan certainly looked off, attempting just two shots and making one, finishing his night with 2 points, 3 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

Standout guard Keon Ellis started in place of DeRozan to start the second half. With Ellis in the lineup, the Kings certainly lose some size, but Ellis has proven to be one of the best young defensemen in the NBA, so it could work out well.

The Kings took a five-point lead into halftime, thanks in large part to the stellar play of All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox. With Monk and DeRozan both sidelined, it puts a lot of offensive responsibility on Fox, but it’s nothing he can’t handle.

If Sacramento can open their season series against the Suns with two straight wins, it would give the team a significant boost going forward, even if they play a Phoenix team that is missing Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

DeRozan has been a real stud for the Kings this season, so the team must hope their newest star can recover without any problems and return for Friday’s NBA Cup Group Play game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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