DeMar

DeRozan

DeRozan’s struggles continued on Sunday, with the veteran wing scoring a season-low two points. Things are trending in the wrong direction for DeRozan and the Kings, as he ranked outside the top 100 in 8- and 9-cat formats over the past two weeks. However, he remains a top-50 player for the season, with the work done early in the season protecting DeRozan’s value.

DeRozan has been in a mini-slump since scoring 29 points in the Kings’ December 12 win over New Orleans. Over the past three games, he’s shot 15-of-41 from the field, which is 36.6%. However, despite being ranked just inside the top 150 in 9-cat formats over the past week, DeRozan is a top-40 player for the season. He’ll be fine, possibly turning things around as soon as Sunday’s game against the Pacers.

DeRozan’s production hasn’t taken much of a hit in his first year in Sacramento, but this game was unique. He was able to make a big impact in categories that he has traditionally been weak in. He posted season-highs in both steals and 3-pointers in this game, though he still did plenty of work at the free throw line, which is more typical for him. DeRozan will continue to be a top-50 player in 9-cat leagues moving forward, but managers shouldn’t get accustomed to him providing steals and 3-pointers at this rate.

While DeRozan and Monk did not practice, there’s no need for concern. According to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee, the two Kings players would have played if a game was scheduled for Tuesday. Sacramento does not play again until Thursday in New Orleans. Expect DeRozan and Monk to occupy their usual places in the starting lineup.

DeRozan is still a pure scorer at age-35. He had 23 points on 15 shots and made all six of his free throws. DeRozan was +10 in 32 minutes as the Kings blew out the Spurs by 27 points. Despite his limited skillset and age, he’s still been a top-50 fantasy player this season.

After only scoring 16 points in their last game, DeRozan got back on track in this game. He led the Kings in scoring, though it didn’t end up being enough for them to get another win. He shot 40% from the floor for the second straight game, but he was able to make up for the subpar shooting night by getting it done at the free throw line. DeRozan’s numbers are slightly down in his first year with the Kings, but he has still been a top-50 player in 9-cat leagues.

DeRozan was on the court after missing two games with muscle inflammation in his lower back, and he showed no ill effects against the Spurs. He led Sacramento in points while recording solid numbers in rebounds, assists, and steals. DeRozan is providing 3rd-round value in 9-cat formats and is also ranked within the top-50 in 8-cat. Provided he stays healthy, there’s no reason to doubt DeRozan’s ability to maintain this production level.

DeRozan will be back in the mix after missing the team’s last two games with this back issue. Jae Crowder started in his place shortly after being signed by the team in their last game, but he’ll likely be pushed to the bench with DeMar available.

DeRozan has missed Sacramento’s last two games, with Jae Crowder replacing him in the starting lineup. Crowder hasn’t been worth the streaming risk in most leagues, so DeRozan’s return would not impact his fantasy value.

DeRozan will miss a second consecutive game and has no concrete return timeline. Jae Crowder filled the void in the starting lineup in his Kings debut on Wednesday and should remain in that role. The veteran forward is a deep-league streaming option at best.