Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk said the team’s veterans need to speak up before Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Sixth Man of the Year runner-up “will go through warmups with the intention” of playing.” He has missed the last seven games with an ankle injury. Sacramento went 2-5 during that span. When Monk is not on the floor, this team's is not much of a threat. Look no further than last season.

Deandre Ayton had 26 points and nine rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 115-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings in an NBA Cup game.

Deandre Ayton had 26 points and nine rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 115-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings in an NBA Cup game on Friday night. Anfernee Simons added 21 points and nine assists and Deni Avdija had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Blazers.

Malik Monk led the Kings with 29 points off the bench. De'Aaron Fox added 22 points and Domantas Sabonis had 21.