94-120
FINALSacramento
Kings
17-54|L10: 4-6
New
Orleans Pelicans
22-48|L10: 6-4
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Eastern Conference
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SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
29 days ago
Due to a right fifth finger injury, LaVine missed Sacramento’s final three games before the All-Star break. Apparently, the injury is more serious than the Kings may have let on, as the guard will reportedly undergo season-ending surgery after the break. LaVine, who appeared in 39 games and averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.5 three-pointers, has a player option for next season worth nearly $49 million. As for how his absence affects the Kings in the short term, rookie Nique Clifford has moved into the starting lineup and should remain there for the rest of the season.
Source: Chris B. Haynes
SAC • Point Guard • #22
about 1 month ago
With Russell Westbrook (ankle) unavailable, Carter made the first start of his NBA career on Wednesday. The second-year guard didn’t shoot the ball, making one of his six three-point attempts, but the final stat line was decent. With the Kings now 12-44 on the season, Carter is one player whose minutes should increase after the All-Star break. Expect to see plenty of him and Nique Clifford (6/8/6/2 in 38 minutes) the rest of the season.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Power Forward • #10
about 1 month ago
DeRozan entered Wednesday’s game having shot 8-of-30 from the field in his prior three games. He didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, but the veteran wing was better than he’d been. Despite the game being a blowout, DeRozan played 29 minutes, but it’s fair to question what his playing time will look like after the All-Star break. The Kings play two games after the break to conclude Week 17, starting with the Magic on February 19.
NOP • Center • #
about 1 month ago
Queen finished Wednesday’s defeat with a modest stat line, but he did play 31 minutes. Given where the Pelicans are in the standings going into the All-Star break, it would be unsurprising if the rookie played even more once the team returns to play. Rostered in 51 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Queen goes into the All-Star break having been a seventh-round player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks.
NOP • Point Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Fears didn’t shoot the ball well, but he was efficient as a playmaker in Wednesday’s defeat. In addition to the eight assists, the rookie guard committed just one turnover in 31 minutes off the bench. It remains to be seen how Dejounte Murray’s eventual return will affect Fears’ playing time, but that may not be a concern. In addition to Murray’s likely minutes restriction whenever he’s cleared, the Pelicans lost Trey Murphy to a shoulder injury during Wednesday’s game. The Pelicans don’t have an incentive to tank, but giving their younger players as many minutes as they can handle after the All-Star break makes sense.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Williamson has scored 18 points or more in four straight games, shooting 45 percent or better from the field in each. While the lack of defensive production may be a point of frustration for some category league managers, the good news is that he hasn’t missed a game since December 11. And over the past two months, Williamson has provided top-50 value for managers punting free-throw percentage, according to Basketball Monster. The Pelicans complete their Week 17 with two games after the All-Star break, starting with Milwaukee on February 20.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy’s early exit with right shoulder soreness is concerning. His 2024-25 season ended early due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder, and now he’s dealing with an issue in the same area. Alarms shouldn’t be raised yet, but this is a situation worth monitoring, especially in a lost season for New Orleans. Jeremiah Fears should return to the starting unit if Murphy misses more than just the end of this game.
Source: Pelicans PR
SAC • Point Guard • #22
about 1 month ago
Already without multiple starters, the Kings won’t have Russell Westbrook (ankle) for Wednesday’s game. As a result, Carter will get his first start of the season. Given the Kings’ lack of healthy guards, he is worth streaming in this spot.
Source: NBA Lineups
NOP • Center • #21
about 1 month ago
Missi was a very late addition to the injury report, so it isn’t surprising that he won’t suit up against Miami. Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney should fill out the backup center minutes behind Derik Queen.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Center • #21
about 1 month ago
Missi has been added to the injury report less than half an hour before the starting tip. It would be surprising if they added him this close to the start of the game just for him to play, so it will likely be Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney filling out the reserve center minutes.
Source: Pelicans PR
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
about 1 month ago
Westbrook rolled his left ankle during Monday’s loss to the Pelicans and was limited to 21 minutes. He won’t play against the Jazz, which could lead to Devin Carter moving into the starting lineup. Given the Kings’ injuries, Carter is worth streaming in deep leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis will miss a fourth straight game with a back issue that has lingered for some time. Maxime Raynaud will remain the starting center, with Dylan Cardwell picking up additional minutes off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Wednesday’s game will be the third that Monk has missed due to illness. Devin Carter has picked up additional rotation minutes in Monk’s absence while also benefiting from the Kings’ decision to trade Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis to the Cavaliers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
Wednesday’s game will be the third that LaVine has missed with a right fifth finger injury. His absence has led to Nique Clifford moving into the starting lineup, while Devin Carter has picked up additional minutes off the bench. Expect the same against the Jazz.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Shooting Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Peavy, who’s dealing with a sprained right great toe, has reached double digits in minutes once in his last five appearances. The rookie’s potential absence does not affect fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
about 1 month ago
Westbrook appeared to roll his left ankle on a drive to the basket during the third quarter, and he would check out for good with just under six minutes remaining in the period. The veteran point guard logged 21 minutes, while DeMar DeRozan (eight points, one rebound and one assist) was limited to 20. Both played starter’s minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers, so this may have been more about Monday’s game being a blowout than anything else. However, fantasy managers need to prepare for the likelihood that Nique Clifford and Devin Carter will play more after the break than Westbrook and DeRozan.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Raynaud was the victim of the official scorer on Monday, as his rebound tally was adjusted down from 20 to 19. The rookie center missed out on his first 20/20 game, but that doesn’t take anything away from his night. With the Kings destined for the draft lottery, there isn’t much incentive to push Domantas Sabonis too far the rest of the season. Raynaud threatening 20 points and 20 rebounds may not become the norm, but he’s a player to rely on for the silly season.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Williamson recorded a modest stat line on Monday, but the rebounds, assists and percentages were especially valuable to category league managers. Over the past two weeks, the Pelicans’ forward has offered seventh-round per-game value in eight-cat formats according to Basketball Monster. Williamson and the Pelicans will look to go into the All-Star break on a high note when they host the Heat on Wednesday.
NOP • Point Guard • #
about 1 month ago
While Fears’ final stat line was boosted by a fourth quarter in which he tallied ten points on 4-of-4 shooting, the rookie was solid throughout. He shot the ball efficiently, and the four “stocks” were the most in a game for Fears since a January 27 loss to the Thunder. As noteworthy as Monday’s production is, he’s played 28 and 30 minutes in the Pelicans’ last two games. Dejounte Murray’s eventual return from a ruptured Achilles is a concern for fantasy managers, but Fears should remain in the rotation.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy has been on a roll in February, providing top-5 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past week. In addition to knocking down five three-pointers, he recorded a team-high seven assists on Monday. With the Pelicans trading their first-round pick to move up for Derik Queen in last summer’s draft, they won’t gain much from tanking. That should bode well for those who have Murphy rostered. The Pelicans host Miami in their final game before the All-Star break on Wednesday.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #5
about 1 month ago
The only change to the Kings’ starting lineup will be the return of Achiuwa, who was basically out of the rotation for the last three games after starting for half of December and all of January. That will push Daeqwon Plowden, who was productive on Saturday, back to the bench.
Source: James Ham
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis will sit out for a third straight game, and it’s unclear if he’ll return prior to the All-Star break. Until Sabonis returns. more minutes will be available for rookies Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell. Both are worth a look as potential “silly season” standouts.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis has missed Sacramento’s last two games and four of its last five with a lower back issue. Rookie Maxime Raynaud has been his replacement in the starting lineup, with Dylan Cardwell taking on an enhanced role off the bench. That may become the norm down the stretch, as the Kings appear destined for the draft lottery.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Monk will miss a second consecutive game due to illness. His absence on Saturday resulted in more minutes for Devin Carter, who logged 27 and scored 18 points. While he isn’t worth streaming in this spot, Carter is a player who could have added fantasy value after the All-Star break.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Small Forward and Power Forward • #7
about 1 month ago
McDermott’s potential absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as he is not guaranteed rotation minutes when healthy. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
LaVine will miss a second straight game with a sore right fifth finger. With De’Andre Hunter (eye) also out, the Kings started Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden in Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers. While Clifford, who scored a career-high 30 points, is the superior fantasy option, Plowden is worth considering in deep leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Small Forward • #12
about 1 month ago
Hunter has been diagnosed with iritis in his left eye after being inadvertently poked in the eye by Clippers wing Kobe Sanders during Friday’s loss to the Clippers. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with rookie Nique Clifford being the player most likely to fill the void. Given where the Kings are in the standings, Clifford and Devin Carter should have added fantasy value after the All-Star break.
Source: Sean Cunningham
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Murray, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon last January, has yet to appear in a game this season. The ability to participate in Sunday’s practice, even in a limited capacity, is another step in the right direction for the Pelicans guard. Murray still does not have a timeline for return, so it’s difficult to guarantee that he’ll be able to have an impact during the fantasy playoff weeks in most leagues.
Source: Shamit Dua
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
about 1 month ago
Westbrook had nine assists in Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers, but gave back a lot of his value in certain leagues with his seven turnovers. The 37-year-old point guard was otherwise excellent for the Kings. Westbrook was efficient with 21 points on 14 attempts and five three-pointers. The Kings have two games upcoming in Week 17, starting with a matchup against the Pelicans on Monday.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Clifford moved into the starting lineup with Zach LaVine (finger) and Malik Monk (illness) both out. The 23-year-old guard made the most of his opportunity with 30 points on 19 attempts in 40 minutes. Clifford can be used in deeper formats until the Kings are back to full strength.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #29
about 1 month ago
The Kings won’t have Zach LaVine or Domantas Sabonis for Saturday’s game, leaving head coach Doug Christie with two spots to fill. Raynaud will continue to start with Sabonis out for another game, while LaVine’s place will be filled by Plowden. Of the two spot starters, Raynaud offers a higher fantasy upside.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
After scoring 18 points in Friday’s loss to the Clippers, Monk will not play against the Cavaliers. His absence frees up opportunities for some of the Kings’ reserves, especially with Zach LaVine and De’Andre Hunter also out. Nique Clifford, Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden should play plenty, with the former likely moving into the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Small Forward • #12
about 1 month ago
Hunter injured his left eye after taking an inadvertent hit from Clippers’ wing Kobe Sanders. The Kings’ forward/guard has been diagnosed with left eye iritis, which is swelling and irritation in the colored ring around the pupil. Hopefully, this will not be an injury that keeps Hunter sidelined for an extended period. Nique Clifford, who logged 33 minutes on Friday, may move into the starting lineup after coming off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
LaVine was ruled out with right fifth finger soreness. Nique Clifford figures to enter the starting lineup and has been productive with LaVine out before. Clifford is worth adding in deeper formats.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis’ continued absence means that Maxime Raynaud will remain in the starting lineup. Given where the Kings are in the standings, it remains to be seen how much Sabonis plays the rest of the season. Raynaud and fellow rookie Dylan Cardwell will have added fantasy value moving forward.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center • #
about 1 month ago
The rookie center took advantage of increased minutes on Friday and logged arguably his best game as a professional. He’s notched back-to-back double-digit rebound games and could realistically carve out a consistent role with this team, given where they are in the standings at this point in the season. Cardwell recently signed a standard contract with the Kings after going undrafted and agreeing to a two-way deal.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Monk was consistent as a scorer throughout Friday’s contest, but his biggest moments came in the third and fourth quarters, when his three-point shooting put the Kings on a run and at one point gave them a fourth-quarter lead. All of the veteran combo-guard’s scoring came from deep in this game, as he finished with at least six triples for the third time this season. Monk appears to be firmly back in the nightly rotation following a stretch earlier in the season in which he saw DNP’s. He’s capable of big nights, but isn’t someone fantasy managers should get excited about.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
about 1 month ago
Clifford was one of several Kings players to make an impact off the bench on Friday. He was productive in his 33 minutes, tallying a few stocks and finishing as one of Sacramento’s two-best scorers on the evening. Clifford’s production is largely a result of how little the starters played on Friday. Still, he was productive and has scored at least 14 points in three of his last four appearances.
SAC • Small Forward • #12
about 1 month ago
Hunter was struck near the eye during the third quarter of Friday’s contest when attempting to defend the Clippers’ Kobe Sanders. He exited the game and was eventually ruled out during the fourth quarter. Hunter, who was recently acquired by the Kings via trade, has started in each of his two appearances with the team. If he has to miss any time, Nique Clifford could see an increased role.
Source: Mark Haynes
NOP • Center • #
about 1 month ago
After making no more than two three-pointers in any game this season, Queen got hot on Friday. The rookie made all four of his attempts, which is a season-high, as part of a solid overall line. Consistency has been an issue recently for Queen, but his role is such that fantasy managers should continue to stick with him. Rostered in 51 percent of Yahoo! leagues, managers in 12-team formats seeking silly season potential should strongly consider adding Queen if he’s on the waiver wire.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
After knocking down 12 three-pointers in Wednesday’s overtime loss to the Bucks, Murphy hit six more on Friday. While the Pelicans have struggled to string together wins outside of a five-game win streak in mid-December, Murphy’s production has been consistently excellent. In nine-cat formats, the forward has been a first-round player this season. Murphy and the Pelicans play four games in Week 17, with two on each side of the All-Star break.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Give Williamson credit for knowing where his bread is buttered as a scorer. The Pelicans forward did not register an official shot outside of the paint on Friday, and the result was his highest point total in nearly a month. Over the past two weeks, Williamson has been close to a top-75 player in eight-cat formats. The only negative for fantasy managers is that New Orleans is done for Week 16, with the team’s next game scheduled for Monday against the Kings.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
While his first season in New Orleans hasn’t been successful from a team wins standpoint, this has been the most productive year of Bey’s NBA career. He recorded his third 30-point game of the season on Friday, helping lead the Pelicans to an upset win in Minneapolis. Over the past three weeks, Bey has been a first-round player in 12-team leagues, according to Basketball Monster. He’s still rostered in 42 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which is way too low, given Bey’s production.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #
about 1 month ago
Sacramento’s opening lineup on Friday includes Maxime Raynaud, who is starting in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis (back). Raynaud has done a nice job during his rookie season when asked to start, and could play a key role against Los Angeles. Both the Kings and Clippers are seeking a win, each riding a multiple-game losing streak.
Source: Tomer Azarly
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
about 1 month ago
Sabonis has appeared in just one of the Kings’ last three games, and he’s logged only 19 games this season due to lingering injuries. In Sabonis’ absence, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell should continue to soak up minutes. The pair of backup centers has “silly season” appeal, as Sacramento has no incentive to play Sabonis down the stretch of a lost season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Shooting Guard • #25
about 1 month ago
Terry was traded from Chicago to New York late Wednesday night and has been moved again about 12 hours later. New Orleans could have a place for him in the rotation, especially if they shift towards a true tank, even if they don’t have their first-round pick. Terry could hold some value during silly season, but he shouldn’t be rostered at this point.
Source: Shams Charania
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Bey has now made four three-pointers in two of his last three games. The 26-year-old shooting guard has been on fire, providing first-round per game value over the last two weeks. This run ultimately won’t last for Bey, but fantasy managers have to enjoy it while it’s ongoing. The Pelicans have one more game in Week 16, coming up Friday against the Timberwolves on the road.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Williamson displayed his unique athleticism midway through the third quarter when he took the ball the length of the floor, made multiple defenders miss and finished with a dunk at the rim. The play was equally as impressive as the fact he was able to execute it so effortlessly. Zion has provided 10th-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pelicans have one more game left in Week 16, coming up Friday against the Timberwolves on the road.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy became just the eighth player in NBA history to make at least 12 three-pointers in a game in Wednesday’s OT loss to the Bucks. The 25-year-old small forward broke out of a mini-slump with 27 points Monday against the Hornets and completely went off with 44 points Wednesday against the Bucks. Unfortunately, neither performance was enough to get the Pelicans the win. Murphy has provided eighth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pelicans have one more game this week, coming Friday against the Timberwolves.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Williamson was able to record a double-double for the fourth time in his last six games. However, this was the second straight game that he shot below 40 percent from the floor, which is atypical for him. Williamson’s field goal percentage is one of his strongest categories, so a two-game stretch like this is rough for his value for fantasy managers. He’ll look to get back on track in Milwaukee on Wednesday.
NOP • Center • #
about 1 month ago
Queen’s production has come inconsistently, and most of January was rough for him. However, he has been able to provide some reminders that he can be a fantasy superstar when he gets the chance. He still has a lot of growing to do as a player, but his game translates well for category leagues. He typically shines when he gets to play at least 30 minutes, like he did in this game, though he has to earn those minutes. He hasn’t been force-fed minutes, though that could change as we get closer to the end of the season.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy had been struggling recently, having shot below 40 percent in four straight games entering this one and averaging just 13.5 points per game during that time. However, he was able to snap out of that slump in this game with an efficient shooting night and a much better scoring outing. Murphy has been a stud for most of the season, so a rough week was rather disappointing. This should be a sign that he is ready to get back on track, and he’ll look to stay hot against the Bucks on Wednesday.