Keon

Ellis

Monk played six minutes before being shut down due to a sore left calf. Starters Keon Ellis and Zach LaVine will likely log heavy minutes with Monk unavailable, and there should also be additional playing time for reserve Devin Carter.

After being included on the Kings’ initial injury report Monday afternoon, Ellis is good to go. He’ll occupy his usual place in the starting lineup, which is good news for those who have him rostered in active leagues.

Murray sat out Sunday, and he’s in danger of missing a second-straight contest due to a back injury. If he’s unavailable, Trey Lyles could remain with the first unit. Ellis’ appearance on the injury report could be precautionary for the second leg of Sacramento’s back-to-back set, and if he’s unavailable, Malik Monk could slot back into the starting five. Devin Carter would also be a candidate for additional minutes.

This was Monk’s third game back from a three-game absence, and he remained in a reserve role for a third-straight game after being a consistent starter since December. He has really struggled since returning from an illness, and that continued in this game. He was able to somewhat make up for a terrible shooting performance with some rebound and assist production, but overall, it was another poor night as a reserve. Keon Ellis continues to start, and there is no reason to think that Monk will reclaim his starting role if he continues to play like this.

After missing Sacramento’s last three games, Monk made his return to the rotation on Thursday. He was listed as a starter and even announced as one in the arena, but he ended up coming off the bench, with Keon Ellis remaining in the starting lineup. Ellis ended up playing 31 minutes to Monk’s 17 and contributing 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, six steals, one block and two triples. It’s unclear if Ellis will continue to start, or if Monk is still getting his conditioning back after dealing with an illness. This is a situation worth keeping an eye on.

Monk will be back after missing Sacramento’s last three games. He should return to his typical spot in the starting unit, which will push Keon Ellis back to the bench. In a reserve role, Ellis doesn’t offer the same upside that he did as a starter.

Monk has missed the Kings’ last three games, and Keon Ellis has replaced him in the starting lineup. He’ll retain that role if Malik cannot play on Thursday and should be streamed in fantasy leagues.

Tuesday’s game will be Monk’s third straight missed due to illness. Keon Ellis will remain in the starting lineup, and he is worth streaming when allowed to take on those responsibilities. Devin Carter (illness), who has been cleared to play, may pick up a few more minutes off the bench.

Monk and Carter missed Monday’s loss to the Celtics, with the former’s absence opening up a place in the starting lineup. Keon Ellis filled the void, playing 37 minutes, while Markelle Fultz logged 11 as the backup. Ellis will return to the bench if Monk can play, while Carter’s availability does not significantly impact fantasy basketball.

With Malik Monk (illness) sidelined for a second-straight game, Ellis was able to remain in the starting unit. He was once again able to provide a strong, well-rounded stat line while playing significant minutes. Ellis is more than capable of being a fantasy stud, but when everyone in Sacramento is healthy, he gets stuck in a reserve role. That may work for Sacramento, but it limits his upside for fantasy managers. This was the first night of a back-to-back, so if Monk remain out against the Thunder on Tuesday, Ellis may hold streaming value for another game.