Sacramento

Kings

Well, it may be fair to say the Kings’ bench rotation is in flux. Huerter was back in the lineup on Tuesday and played 25 minutes off the bench, while Keon Ellis was a DNP-CD. While Huerter hit three 3-pointers on Tuesday, it may be best for fantasy managers to move on from him and Ellis for the foreseeable future.

Murray’s had to sacrifice some regarding offensive production, but he’s only averaging one less shot attempt per game than last season. The issue has been the decreased accuracy, with the Kings forward entering Tuesday shooting 27.4% from three. Murray shot 3-of-5 from deep on Tuesday, a welcome development for those who have him rostered. Add in the three blocks; this was a good night for Murray.

Sabonis’ double-double streak ended on Tuesday, but the lack of defensive stats was more concerning. He didn’t record a steal or blocked shots for the second straight game. Sabonis may not be elite in either of those categories, but he averages 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. The good news for fantasy managers is that he’s providing 1st-round value with limited defensive production.

A top 20 player in 8-cat formats, Fox is ranked just inside the top 40 in 9-cat. Turnovers (3.4 per game) have been the difference, and he was responsible for three more on Tuesday. However, the overall production made up for that statistical deficiency. And with Malik Monk in the lineup, there isn’t as much pressure on Fox to set up his teammates and get his own shots.

Known more for his explosive scoring ability, Monk was an elite distributor on Tuesday. He notched a career-high 12 assists without committing a turnover. Add in the efficient scoring, and this was an excellent night to have Monk rostered. A 7th-round player in 9-cat formats, Monk should be rostered in more than 54% of Yahoo leagues now that he’s a starter.

Huerter practiced on Monday and is officially available for Tuesday’s game. However, with his fall out of the starting lineup before the injury, Red Velvet doesn’t offer much fantasy value. He’ll play rotation minutes behind Malik Monk, which limits Huerter’s value considerably.

Huerter was a full participant in practice on Monday, which is a good sign that he’ll be back after a one-game absence. However, he has lost his spot in the starting unit, with Malik Monk getting the nod in their last game. Huerter’s absence would open up a few extra minutes for Keon Ellis, but with Monk starting, neither of the backup guards will likely play enough to make an impact in fantasy hoops.

Not only was Sunday’s start Monk’s first of the season, but it was also his first since the 2022-23 season. He was efficient in that role, shooting 50% from the field and knocking down five 3-pointers. Monk will start on Tuesday against Houston, which boosts his fantasy value, with Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis taking hits to theirs. Murray (eight points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block in 38 minutes) attempted nine shots, while Ellis (eight points, three rebounds, one block, and two 3-pointers) only played 17 minutes off the bench.

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.

Sabonis didn’t record any steals or blocks on Sunday, the first game he’s failed to contribute defensively since November 10. However, the double-doubles continue to pour in, and Sabonis is ranked among the most productive players in fantasy basketball regardless of league format. He’s providing top-10 per-game value in 8-cat formats while ranking a few spots outside that threshold in 9-cat.