97-128
FINALSacramento
Kings
17-54|L10: 4-6
Houston
Rockets
44-26|L10: 6-4
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Eastern Conference
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HOU • Center • #28
10 days ago
Şengün is dealing with an illness, casting some doubt on his availability for Thursday’s game. If he’s unable to play, the Rockets could more Clint Capela into the starting lineup, which would give him some value as a deep-league streamer.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • • #
10 days ago
Following a two-game absence, Smith will return to take on Golden State, which is what Rockets coach Ime Udoka had previously indicated. Reed Sheppard played well as a starter, but he will likely return to the bench with Smith returning.
Source: Will Kunkel
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
10 days ago
Thompson exited early from Monday’s win over Washington after injuring his ankle in the fourth quarter, but that won’t keep him from suiting up against Golden State. He’ll occupy his typical spot in the starting unit.
Source: Will Kunkel
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
10 days ago
Clifford struggled from beyond the arc on Tuesday, missing all five of his attempts. The good news is that the rookie guard shot over 50 percent from two-point range, and he also provided solid production in rebounds, assists, and steals. Clifford played 39 minutes, an encouraging number, even if it may not be sustainable for the rest of the season. The key is that he’s getting a lot of playing time, which makes Clifford a more attractive option during the silly season.
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
10 days ago
After logging 22 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Lakers in his return from a thigh injury, Westbrook played 31 minutes against the Suns. The veteran point guard shot 3-of-6 from beyond the arc on Tuesday, and fantasy managers in category leagues can also use the assists and steals. However, it’s fair to question whether Westbrook will be asked to play 30-plus minutes consistently between now and the end of the season, especially with Devin Carter needing more playing time for evaluation. Carter only played nine minutes on Tuesday, finishing with two points, two rebounds and one steal. With the Kings headed for the draft lottery, Carter should be the priority, but that wasn’t the case against the Suns.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #
10 days ago
Raynaud finished Tuesday’s defeat with his 13th double-double of the season, which leads all rookies. The 7-foot-1 center may not offer much value as a shot-blocker, but fantasy managers know what they’re going to get from him as a scorer and rebounder on most nights. For good measure, Raynaud dished out four assists against the Suns. Among Kings players, only Precious Achiuwa has been more valuable to fantasy managers since the All-Star break.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #5
10 days ago
Achiuwa has been a popular add in fantasy leagues recently, and with good reason. The 6-foot-8 forward has recorded at least nine rebounds in five straight games and at least one steal and one blocked shot in four of the last five. Rostered in 28 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Achiuwa has been a top-50 player since the All-Star break, according to Basketball Monster. With the Kings headed for the draft lottery, playing time should not be an issue for Achiuwa the rest of this season. If he’s sitting on the waiver wire, pick him up.
HOU • G • #15
12 days ago
While he didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, Sheppard did something that has rarely been done in the NBA this century. He became the fourth player since 2000 to record a line with at least 19 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, six steals and two blocked shots, joining Nikola Jokić, James Harden and Andrei Kirilenko. However, this performance may not be enough to keep Sheppard in the starting lineup, as head coach Ime Udoka said before Monday’s game that he may go back to his regular starting five once Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) returns. Smith is expected to be available for Thursday’s game against the Warriors.
Source: Justin Russo
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
12 days ago
Thompson rolled his right ankle during the fourth quarter of Monday’s game, requiring a trip to the locker room and an early end to his night. However, fantasy managers received solid value from the third-year guard, whose final line only lacked a blocked shot. The Rockets are off until Thursday, so it may be a bit longer before the team provides an update on Thompson’s availability for the rest of the week.
Source: Varun Shankar
HOU • Center • #28
12 days ago
Like Kevin Durant, who scored 30 points, Şengün took full advantage of a Wizards’ rotation lacking size in Monday’s victory. He was responsible for eight turnovers, but many fantasy managers will be fine with Şengün’s 30-point double-double. The 32 points were three more than the center’s tally in Houston’s final two games of Week 18. The good news for fantasy managers is that the Rockets play three more games in Week 19, starting with the Warriors on Thursday.
HOU • Forward • #35
12 days ago
Making his annual return to the DMV, Durant has now scored 30 points or more in five of his last seven appearances. The only issue for the Suitland, Maryland native on Monday was the turnover count, as he racked up six. However, that isn’t a concern for those in leagues that don’t factor in turnovers or who are already punting that category. The Rockets don’t play again until Thursday and close Week 19 with three games over the final four days.
HOU • Forward • #17
12 days ago
Eason was assessed two technical fouls for shoving Washington’s Jamir Watkins on two separate occasions, prompting players on both teams to break them up. Eason played 25 minutes, finishing with nine points (4-of-11 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), six rebounds, two assists and one steal.
HOU • • #
12 days ago
Smith, who sprained his right ankle during Thursday’s win over the Magic, has missed the last two games, including Monday’s matchup with the Wizards. Udoka also said he’ll likely return to his usual starting lineup when Smith returns, which means Reed Sheppard is the odd man out. While the second-year guard will still play plenty, his fantasy value takes a hit in the reserve role.
Source: ClutchFans
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #
12 days ago
Raynaud recorded his fourth double-double since the All-Star break and 12th of the season, but this was not the best night overall for the rookie. The points, rebounds and field-goal percentage categories were good, but he was also responsible for six turnovers. Add in the lack of defensive stats, and Sunday wasn’t the best night to rely on Raynaud in nine-cat formats. That said, his current role with Domantas Sabonis (knee) done for the season makes Raynaud worth the risk in some 12-team leagues.
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
12 days ago
Back in the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Mavericks, Westbrook only played 22 minutes on Sunday. Given where the Kings are in the standings, that could be the veteran point guard’s workload for the rest of the season. If so, Devin Carter is a player to watch, even though he shot the ball poorly in his 21 minutes against the Lakers. Making two of his seven attempts from the field, the second-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and three assists.
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
12 days ago
Back in the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Mavericks, Westbrook only played 22 minutes on Sunday. Given where the Kings are in the standings, that could be the veteran point guard’s workload for the rest of the season. If so, Devin Carter is a player to watch, even though he shot the ball poorly in his 21 minutes against the Lakers. Making two of his seven attempts from the field, the second-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and three assists.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
12 days ago
With Zach LaVine done for the season and Keegan Murray currently out with a sprained ankle, Clifford should take on a more prominent role moving forward. He’s reached double figures in four straight games, with the 26 points being the most for the rookie since dropping a season-high 30 in a February 7 loss to the Cavaliers. A top-100 player over the past month, Clifford has silly season standout potential, especially with the Kings headed for the draft lottery. The Kings play three games in Week 19, starting with the Suns on Tuesday.
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
14 days ago
Westbrook will be back on the court after a thigh contusion sidelined him for Thursday’s win over the Mavericks. While his return means that Devin Carter will head back to the bench, the second-year guard should still play plenty with the Kings headed for the draft lottery.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • G • #15
14 days ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) for a few games, which opened up a spot in the starting lineup for Sheppard. He didn’t have a great day shooting the basketball, with the second-year guard making four of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. However, Sheppard did not commit a turnover in his 36 minutes. Having shown at various points this season that he can provide suitable fantasy value, Sheppard is worth slotting into lineups ahead of Houston’s four-game Week 19.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
14 days ago
While his percentages weren’t good, Thompson did finish Saturday’s defeat with a double-double and his second 20-point performance in three games. While it’s highly unlikely to change between now and the end of the season, Thompson needs to further develop his perimeter shot, at least to the point where opposing teams have to respect it. While he can still be effective without a reliable shot, it makes producing offense as a scorer and creator more difficult.
HOU • Forward • #35
14 days ago
The Heat used multiple defenses to slow down Durant, but nothing worked. In addition to shooting 60 percent from the field, the Rockets’ forward dished out eight assists, equal to his tally in his prior two games. Add in the rebounds, blocks and three-pointers, and this was an excellent afternoon to have Durant rostered. The Rockets play four games in Week 19, starting with the Wizards on Monday in the final game of their road trip.
HOU • G • #15
14 days ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. for the next two games, as he sprained his ankle during Thursday’s win over the Magic. Sheppard moves into the starting lineup, raising the second-year guard’s short-term fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Lineups
HOU • • #
14 days ago
Reed Sheppard is set to start for the next two games in Smith’s absence and is worth rostering in most formats. With Smith ruled out for the next two games, the earliest he could return would be Thursday against the Warriors.
SAC • Power Forward and Small Forward • #13
15 days ago
Murray aggravated his sprained left ankle during Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets and was forced to exit. Nique Clifford entered the lineup to start the third quarter of that game and should retain that role, making him a player worth rostering. Also worth a look in deeper leagues is Daeqwon Plowden, but he is not a must-add.
Source: Marc Stein
HOU • • #
15 days ago
Smith rolled his right ankle late in Thursday’s win over the Magic and limped back to the locker room immediately. His absence on Saturday opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie being potential replacements. Sheppard, who’s worth rostering in fantasy leagues in his current reserve role, offers a higher ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #5
15 days ago
Achiuwa has had some big games recently, and this was enough to finally end the Kings’ losing streak. He set a new career high for scoring and had his second 20-point double-double in his last three games. With Sacramento playing the rest of the season without multiple typical starters, Achiuwa will continue to play big minutes, though this type of production won’t come consistently.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
15 days ago
Clifford entered the starting lineup with Keegan Murray (ankle) sidelined for this game. Though it was a rough shooting night for the rookie, he was able to pour in the counting stats. With Sacramento currently holding the worst record in the league, Clifford should see plenty of minutes down the stretch of this season, which should lead to strong fantasy production.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #29
15 days ago
Plowden signed a two-way deal with the Kings this summer and spent most of the year in the G League. However, he has taken on a larger role in February, and this was the second time in their last three games that he has scored exactly 19 points, which is his career high for scoring that he initially set last January with the Hawks. However, he shot perfect from the floor in this one. He should continue to play big minutes and have a role for the Kings throughout silly season.
HOU • Forward • #35
15 days ago
Durant went nuclear in this game, setting new season highs for both scoring and shot attempts in the win. Since the All-Star break, KD has averaged 27.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and three triples per game, and he has shot at least 50 percent from the floor in each of his last three games. He’ll look to stay hot in Miami on Saturday to wrap up the week.
HOU • G • #15
15 days ago
After knocking down a career-high seven three-pointers as a starter on Wednesday, Sheppard was back to playing his role off the bench in this game with Amen Thompson (quad) healthy. However, he was still able to make a huge impact on both ends of the floor. Along with the points and triples, Sheppard provided four “stocks” in the win. This game was another example of the fantasy superstar that he can be in a larger, more consistent role.
SAC • Point Guard • #22
16 days ago
The Kings won’t have Russell Westbrook or Keegan Murray for Thursday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. They’ll be replaced in the lineup by Carter and Clifford, with the latter offering a higher ceiling for the silly season. Sacramento’s other three starters are unchanged.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
16 days ago
Monk was initially questionable for Thursday’s game with a sore right ankle. He’ll provide depth and deep-league fantasy value off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
16 days ago
Thompson is back in the Rockets’ lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Kings, pushing Reed Sheppard to the bench. While Sheppard will remain in the rotation, his playing time will likely decrease.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
16 days ago
The Kings are littered with injuries and are trending to have the best lottery odds for the top pick in the draft, so they’re not going to push Westbrook here. Nique Clifford and Devin Carter figure to pick up the majority of the minutes and usage with Westbrook out.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
16 days ago
Thompson was out on Wednesday, which allowed Reed Sheppard to step into the starting lineup and post 28 points with a career-high seven three-pointers made. Given how well he played, we’d have to assume that Sheppard will still see solid minutes on Thursday, but Thompson should be back in the starting lineup and play close to his normal role.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
16 days ago
While Clifford was not in the starting lineup on Wednesday, he did start the third quarter due to Keegan Murray aggravating his sprained left ankle. The first-round pick out of Colorado State played 28 minutes in Houston, and he may take on an enhanced role as soon as Thursday’s game in Dallas. If so, Clifford has the potential to join fellow rookie Maxime Rayanud (11 points, eight rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes) on the list of first-year players who can be serious factors in fantasy basketball during the silly season.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Power Forward • #10
16 days ago
DeRozan, who led the Kings with seven assists, played 24 minutes on Wednesday. Given where the Kings’ season is, with the team now a league-worst 13-47, the younger players should be the team’s priority for the rest of the season. DeRozan did play 35 minutes in the Kings’ February 21 loss to the Spurs, but it would be unsurprising if his minutes were kept in the mid-20s more consistently.
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
16 days ago
While Westbrook led the Kings in scoring on Wednesday, he put up those 22 points in 25 minutes. With the game being a blowout, the veteran point guard was not on the floor as long as he usually would. However, Kings fans and fantasy managers would likely argue that Westbrook should play around 25 minutes in more competitive games to free up time for the Kings’ younger guards. Made available after missing a few games with a back injury, Devin Carter picked up a DNP-CD in a game the Kings lost by 31 points. We’ll see if that changes in the near future.
HOU • Forward • #35
16 days ago
Durant had a rather routine night at the office, as the Rockets were never really challenged by the Kings. He played 28 minutes, and that should keep the 37-year-old in good spirits for Thursday’s game against the Magic. Over the past month, Durant has been a top-25 player in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Thursday’s game is the first of two that Houston will play before Week 18 concludes.
HOU • G • #15
16 days ago
Sheppard moved into the starting lineup on Wednesday, as the Rockets were without Amen Thompson due to a quad injury. The second-year guard certainly didn’t get cheated offensively, as he recorded career-highs in made three-pointers (seven) and three-point attempts (16). A double-figure scorer in seven straight games, Sheppard’s 28 on Wednesday were the most in a game for him since he hit that number in a December 20 win over the Jazz. Sheppard’s fantasy value for Thursday’s game in Orlando will depend on Thompson’s availability.
HOU • Center • #28
16 days ago
Şengün put on a show at the Kings’ expense on Wednesday, recording the 11th triple-double of his NBA career. With no Amen Thompson due to injury, even more of the playmaking responsibilities landed on Şengün’s shoulders, and he was excellent. Over the past month, the Rockets’ center has been a fourth-round player in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Şengün and the Rockets should face a far stiffer test on Thursday when they visit the Magic.
SAC • Power Forward and Small Forward • #13
17 days ago
Murray, who missed over a month after spraining his left ankle in early January, injured the ankle again during the first quarter of Wednesday’s game. He played nine minutes, finishing with three points, one rebound and one blocked shot. Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Daeqwon Plowden may pick up additional minutes in Murray’s absence, but neither is a must-add.
Source: James Ham
SAC • Point Guard • #22
17 days ago
Carter is good to go after sitting out Monday’s win over the Grizzlies. His return is likely to push Killian Hayes out of the rotation after the recent signing played 11 minutes off the bench in Memphis.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #17
17 days ago
Finney-Smith’s availability does not affect fantasy basketball, but it does free up minutes for some of Houston’s other reserves. Josh Okogie and Aaron Holiday should play more against the Kings, but neither is worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.
Source: Lachard Binkley
HOU • G • #15
17 days ago
Thompson is dealing with left quad tendonitis and will not play against the struggling Kings. Sheppard moves into the starting lineup, and the second-year guard is a worthwhile streamer in this spot. Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün will complete the Rockets’ starting five.
Source: Lachard Binkley
SAC • Point Guard • #22
18 days ago
Carter did not play in Monday’s win over the Grizzlies, which factored into recent signing Killian Hayes playing 11 minutes off the bench. If Carter can play against the Rockets, don’t expect to see too much of Hayes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
18 days ago
Thompson is dealing with left quadricep tendonitis, and the injury will cost him at least one game. In Thompson’s absence, Reed Sheppard could join the starting lineup, making him an intriguing streamer in a favorable matchup with Sacramento’s shorthanded defense.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • • #
18 days ago
Smith led the Rockets in scoring with 31 points in the victory over the Jazz on Monday. The Rockets turned the ball over 26 times combined, but still cruised to a 20-point victory. The 22-year-old power forward has provided top-40 per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Rockets have three more games in Week 18, the next of which comes on Wednesday against the Kings.
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
18 days ago
Westbrook led the Kings in scoring with 25 points in 33 minutes of action in the win over the Grizzlies on Monday. The 37-year-old point guard certainly still has something left in the tank, but he obviously isn’t part of the organization’s long-term plans and could see his minutes scaled back as the season goes on.
HOU • Forward • #8
19 days ago
Udoka admitted that a grade two MCL sprain typically sidelines players for 4-6 weeks, but noted that the Rockets will re-evaluate Tate every two weeks. This isn’t good news for the 30-year-old small forward. His absence doesn’t impact fantasy basket ball, though Dorian Finney-Smith could see more minutes off the bench.
Source: Adam Wexler
SAC • Point Guard • #22
19 days ago
Carter popped up on the injury report Monday afternoon with a back injury and has since been ruled out for the game against the Grizzlies. Malik Monk and Nique Clifford should both see more minutes and are worth streaming on a three-game slate with Carter out.
SAC • Point Guard • #22
19 days ago
Carter’s late addition to Monday’s injury report doesn’t bode well for his availability. If Carter is unable to take the court, Malik Monk and Nique Clifford should see a boost in minutes, making both guards appealing streamers for the small slate.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #8
20 days ago
Tate sprained his right knee during Saturday’s loss to the Knicks. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, but the Rockets may give fellow reserve Dorian Finney-Smith a few more minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • • #
20 days ago
The former top-10 pick will get another chance to make an NBA comeback. He’ll be with Sacramento for the rest of the month, and he should be able to fill some backcourt minutes, though managers should steer clear of this situation.
Source: Shams Charania
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
20 days ago
Thompson, whose defense kept Jalen Brunson under wraps for the first three quarters of Saturday’s defeat, recorded his 11th double-double of the season. All that was missing from his stat line was a three-pointer, but that has never been a strength of the third-year guard. Even with Thompson not bringing three-point value to the table, he has been a top-50 player in eight-cat formats. Given his role within the Rockets’ rotation, that should not change anytime soon.
HOU • • #
20 days ago
Smith shot 4-of-8 from three against the Knicks, with the four triples being the most in a game for him since hitting seven in a January 18 win over the Pelicans. The Rockets forward filled his stat line, and he’s been a top-50 player in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past three weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Rockets open a four-game Week 18 on Monday against the Jazz.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
20 days ago
Monk played 28 minutes off the bench, getting most of the backup point guard minutes in Saturday’s defeat. To his credit, he played well, committing just one turnover and shooting 50 percent from the field. However, it’s fair to wonder if Monk will get point guard minutes at Devin Carter’s expense the rest of the season. The 2024 first-round pick played just six minutes against the Spurs after averaging nearly 27 per over Sacramento’s prior six games. For the sake of the Kings’ rebuild, Carter should play more over the final two months of the season. But that may not be head coach Doug Christie’s opinion.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #
20 days ago
Raynaud has recorded a double-double in three of his last four games, continuing to provide solid value as Domantas Sabonis’ replacement in the starting lineup. While his first stint at the starter did not make the rookie a must-roster player, he is now, since Sabonis won’t return this season. Over the past two weeks, Raynaud has been a top-50 player in eight-cat formats. The Kings play four games in Week 18, starting with the Grizzlies on Monday.
SAC • Power Forward and Small Forward • #13
20 days ago
After scoring 15 points in his first game back from a sprained ankle on Thursday, Murray put up 20 as part of a complete stat line on Saturday. Also of note for the Kings forward was that he played a team-high 36 minutes. While DeMar DeRozan (20/1/5/2/1 in 35 minutes) and Russell Westbrook (7/3/2/1/1 with one three-pointer in 21 minutes) don’t appear to be part of the Kings’ long-term plans, Murray should be the priority over the final two months of the regular season. If the Kings take that approach, it should bode well for fantasy managers who have him rostered.
SAC • Small Forward • #12
22 days ago
While Hunter practiced on Wednesday, he has not appeared in a game since a February 6 loss to the Clippers. The wing, acquired from the Cavaliers at the trade deadline, was inadvertently struck in the left eye by Clippers wing Kobe Sanders, resulting in left eye iritis. Further evaluations revealed a detached retina, prompting Friday’s procedure. Hunter is the third Kings rotation player to be ruled out for the rest of the season, joining Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Hunter’s absence means more playing time for Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden, with the former being a player who should be rostered for the rest of the season.
Source: Chris B. Haynes