Trey

Lyles

Both players were initially listed as questionable on the second night of a back-to-back, but they will be able to suit up. Domantas Sabonis is still questionable, so Lyles may take on some extra minutes if Sabonis is sidelined.

Lyles played for the first time in almost a month on Saturday, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he is ultimately ruled out for this game on the second night of a back-to-back. His minutes will be divided among the starters, so his absence won’t impact fantasy basketball.

Saturday’s game was the first for Lyles since November 25, and his return gave the Kings much-needed depth behind Domantas Sabonis. Lyles didn’t offer much value and is unlikely to be a viable option in most fantasy leagues, but he’s a key bench option for the Kings. Sacramento ends its Week 8 slate with a game against the Pacers on Sunday.

Lyles will return to the Kings rotation on Saturday after a ten-game absence, giving Sacramento much-needed depth in the frontcourt. His minutes will likely be managed on Saturday, but this should keep the Kings from pushing Domantas Sabonis past 40 minutes (if he can play). Lyles is not worth rostering right now, but he may have some value in deep leagues once the restrictions are removed.

Sabonis was forced to miss practice on Wednesday because of this back issue, but he played his usual role in Thursday’s loss. He didn’t make the initial injury report, but he had been added this afternoon. If Sabonis is forced to miss a game for the first time in a month, Trey Lyles (calf) or Alex Len will likely start in his place.

Lyles has missed Sacramento’s last ten games, most recently experiencing some soreness in his calf on the morning of Thursday’s loss to the Lakers. If he remains sidelined, the Kings will continue to ask Domantas Sabonis to play heavy minutes in the middle, going small when their star center needs a break.

Absent from the initial injury report, Lyles will miss a tenth straight game on Thursday. Look for the Kings to stick with a relatively limited bench, with starting center Domantas Sabonis likely logging 40 minutes or more, as he did on Monday (41 MIN vs. Denver).

Lyles didn’t make the initial injury report, which would have made this his return after missing nine straight games. However, he experienced soreness Thursday morning and is set to receive some treatment ahead of the game. Only Keon Ellis and Colby Jones played more than 10 minutes in their last game, but if Lyles suits up, he should join them as the backup post player.

Lyles injured his calf during the first half of Monday’s loss to the Thunder, exiting after playing six minutes off the bench. His injury robs Sacramento of one of its more dependable bench options, even if this will not significantly impact fantasy basketball. The Kings signed Jae Crowder to a deal on Tuesday to address the recent spate of injuries. Also, Doug McDermott may pick up a few more minutes, but he is not worth streaming.

Lyles played six minutes before the calf injury forced his exit. The Kings did not add anyone to the rotation in the first half, but there may be a few minutes available for Doug McDermott in the second. He would not be worth streaming if Lyles misses time.