Kings' Gay expects to play vs. Hornets following left shoulder injury

After sitting out Saturday's 97-91 road win over the Orlando Magic with a left shoulder strain, Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay expects to be back in the lineup Monday night against the Charlotte Hornets.

The injury occurred during the third quarter of Thursday's matchup with the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena, which forced him from the game.

Sacramento has won both games Gay's missed to begin the 2015-16 season. On top of the Magic win, the 5-9 Kings also held off the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 13 as the 29-year-old recovered at a hospital from a bout with gastroenteritis.

In 12 appearances, Gay is averaging 17.4 points on 44.3 percent shooting from the field, along with 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists.