Kings rocked by injury to MVP

Kings rocked by injury to MVP

08 Jan 2026

sydney kings

Sydney Kings superstar Xavier Cooks (ankle) will miss Friday's clash with the New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena.

The Sydney Kings will be without superstar Xavier Cooks during Friday's clash with New Zealand at Spark Arena due to injury.

The NBL23 MVP injured his ankle during Monday's loss to South East Melbourne at Qudos Bank Arena.

Player Update: Xavier Cooks will miss tomorrow’s game against NZ Breakers due to an ankle injury he sustained against SEM Phoenix. He will be replaced in the lineup by Goc Malual. pic.twitter.com/sylxSUYHMN
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) January 8, 2026

This news will test the frontline of Brian Goorjian's side, with wing Bul Kuol (knee), forward Keli Leuepepe (knee) and center Jason Spurgin (foot) already sidelined.

Cooks will be replaced by young forward Goc Malual on Friday night.

The Round 15 clash tips off at 5.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.