136-105
FINALDenver
Nuggets
59-34|L10: 6-4
Sacramento
Kings
23-63|L10: 3-7
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Eastern Conference
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DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
4 months ago
Watson missed Thursday’s game, which allowed Bruce Brown to get the starting nod. He contributed 11 points in 34 minutes, but he’ll likely be pushed back to the bench if Watson is able to return.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Power Forward and Small Forward • #13
5 months ago
Murray has been a consistent provider of blocked shots this season, averaging a career-best 1.9 per game. But he’s kicked things up a notch recently, recording 11 blocks over the last three games. While his scoring opportunities aren’t as plentiful as some would like them to be, the Kings forward has found other ways in which to provide reliable fantasy value. Murray is closing in on top-25 value in nine-cat formats, and he’s ranked just outside the top-50 in eight-cat.
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
5 months ago
Westbrook finished Thursday’s defeat with his tenth double-double of the season. And to the surprise of many, he’s turned into a player who can once again be relied on in 12-team leagues. Westbrook is providing top-75 value in eight-cat formats, well ahead of his Yahoo! ADP (139). Of course, the ADP was heavily influenced by Westbrook not agreeing to a deal until after the preseason, as many fantasy drafts were already in the books. He’s rostered in 63 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and that number should continue to increase.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Power Forward • #10
5 months ago
DeRozan had one of his best games of the season on Thursday, including a 3-of-4 effort from beyond the arc. The three-point shot remains a minimal part of his offensive repertoire, but the veteran wing has been proficient when he’s taken those shots. DeRozan is shooting over 40 percent from three on just over two attempts per game, with the percentage being the highest of his NBA career. DeRozan isn’t going to be a player who provides consistent value in that category, but he’s been far from a liability. Add that to his other tools, and he’s capable of threatening top-50 status before the season ends.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #
5 months ago
While Raynaud has not been a top-100 player over the past two weeks, Thursday’s performance will raise eyebrows among fantasy managers. Not only did the rookie center record his second double-double, but he also established new highs in points and rebounds. All that was missing from Raynaud’s stat line was a blocked shot, but he’s totaled only nine in 19 appearances. With Domantas Sabonis and Drew Eubanks out, Raynaud should be rostered in more than 15 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #2
5 months ago
Slowly but surely, Johnson’s production is improving as he gets more comfortable in his new home. Thursday’s tally was the highest for the Nuggets wing since November 28, when he scored 28 points in a loss to the Spurs. Over the last two weeks, Johnson has been ranked just inside the top-150 in nine-cat formats. While playing alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray results in cleaner looks for Johnson, he may also have a lower fantasy ceiling for the same reason. Hopefully, he’ll continue to close in on his Yahoo! ADP (92).
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
5 months ago
Over the past two weeks, Murray has been a top-20 player in eight-cat formats. During this period, he’s scored at least 30 points on four separate occasions, including Thursday’s win over Orlando. His final stat line only lacked a blocked shot, but fantasy managers aren’t going to lose any sleep over that. Murray will look to notch another 30-point stat line when the Nuggets host the Rockets on Saturday.
DEN • Center • #15
5 months ago
Not only did Jokić record his 13th triple-double of the season and 177th of his career, but he made some history in Thursday’s victory. The Nuggets center is now the NBA’s all-time leader in assists by a center, having passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during Thursday’s win. Whether you’re talking eight- or nine-cat formats, Jokić remains the best player in fantasy basketball. Denver ends Week 9 with a home game against the Rockets on Saturday.
Source: Denver Nuggets
SAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
5 months ago
Schröder is good to go after initially being questionable for Thursday’s game. He’ll slot in as Russell Westbrook’s backup, with there likely being times when they’re on the court together. However, fantasy managers in most leagues can afford to leave Schröder on the waiver wire.
Source: Jason Anderson
DEN • Point Guard, Small Forward, and Shooting Guard • #00
5 months ago
Already playing without Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets won’t have Peyton Watson for Thursday’s game. However, while Tim Hardaway Jr. played 39 minutes off the bench on Monday, it will be Brown who fills the void in the starting lineup against the Magic. Hardaway should still play plenty, but his fantasy value won’t receive the same boost that it would have if he were starting.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Point Guard • #
5 months ago
Hardaway is good to go after being listed as questionable on the initial injury report. With Peyton Watson (trunk) joining Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon on the sidelines, there’s a high likelihood that Hardaway will be in the starting lineup.
Source: Denver Nuggets
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
5 months ago
Injured during Monday’s win over the Rockets, Watson will not play on Thursday. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Tim Hardaway Jr. being the player most likely to fill the void. Due to Watson’s early exit, Hardaway played a season-high 39 minutes on Monday and started the third quarter.
Source: Denver Nuggets
SAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
5 months ago
After making his return from a hip injury on Sunday, Schröder is back on the Kings’ injury report. He played 25 minutes off the bench against the Timberwolves and would be in line for a similar workload if available to play against Portland. However, there isn’t much to gain from rostering Schröder as long as Russell Westbrook is starting at the point.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Point Guard • #
5 months ago
Hardaway played a season-high 39 minutes in Monday’s win over the Rockets, starting the second half due to Peyton Watson’s early exit. If Watson can’t play on Thursday, Hardaway could be moved into the starting lineup, provided he’s healthy. If so, he would be worth streaming in deep leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
5 months ago
Watson exited Monday’s win over the Rockets during the first half after suffering a right trunk contusion. If he’s unable to play against Orlando, there would be an opening in the starting lineup. Tim Hardaway Jr., who started the third quarter on Monday, is the most likely candidate to fill the void. However, he is also questionable for Thursday due to illness.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #11
5 months ago
Sabonis has been sidelined for almost a month due to a torn meniscus, but the report is that he missed this practice because of an illness. That implies his knee could be better, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for more updates in the coming days. This lines up with the initial three-to-four week re-evaluation timeline, so he could be back soon, which would push Maxime Raynaud to the bench.
Source: Sean Cunningham
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
5 months ago
Lavine exited early from Sunday’s game, and he’ll now miss at least three more games. Nique Clifford started in place of LaVine when he missed Thursday’s game, and he could start again for a few games, though Malik Monk should also see a bump in minutes.
Source: Sean Cunningham
DEN • Point Guard • #
5 months ago
Hardaway played a season-high 39 minutes on Monday, with Peyton Watson’s first-quarter injury being the reason. THJ, who hit double figures for the ninth straight game, started the third quarter and was part of the Nuggets’ closing lineup in regulation as well as overtime. If Watson misses time, Hardaway would be worth a look in deeper leagues, especially with Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon also sidelined.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
5 months ago
Murray has yet to appear in an All-Star Game, but he’s playing well enough to change that this season. The Nuggets guard rebounded from a modest performance against the Kings by notching his fourth 30-point game of the season on Monday. In addition to shooting over 50 percent from the field, Murray attempted a season-high 15 rebounds, hitting double digits in that category for the first time this season. Murray and the Nuggets finish Week 9 with home games against the Magic and Rockets on Thursday and Saturday.
DEN • Center • #15
5 months ago
Jokić wasn’t around for the end of Monday’s thriller, as he fouled out with 1:23 remaining in overtime. However, the Nuggets were able to get over the finish line, and the three-time MVP finished with a robust stat line. The top-ranked player in fantasy basketball, Jokić has scored at least 30 points in four of his 12 triple-doubles this season. The Nuggets return to action on Thursday when they host the Magic.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
5 months ago
Watson suffered a right trunk contusion during the first quarter of Monday’s game, limping back to the locker room to receive further treatment. With Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon already out, the Nuggets will be even more shorthanded if Watson has to remain out. Look for Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown to figure more prominently in the rotation.
Source: Vinny Benedetto
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
5 months ago
Strawther has not appeared in a game since November 15. Even with Christian Braun (ankle) unavailable, Strawther is highly unlikely to get the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
5 months ago
Schröder returned to Sacramento’s lineup following a seven-game absence due to a hip injury. The 32-year-old veteran point guard is an afterthought in most fantasy leagues given his sporadic usage with the Kings, but he’s capable of heating up for the occasional 20-point effort. He figures to be on the move once the trade deadline rolls around, especially if Sacramento falls out of playoff contention.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #0
5 months ago
Monk’s usage continues to be all over the map, but he remains an effective scorer when handed 25-plus minutes. The 27-year-old sharpshooter knocked down 3-of-5 from three-point range and drained all seven of his free throw attempts to come up just shy of reaching the 20-point plateau. The Kings have a pair of contests against the Trail Blazers on tap before closing out next week with a home matchup against the Rockets.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
5 months ago
LaVine sprained his left ankle during the first half of Sunday’s game and was not on the floor to begin the third quarter. He has since been ruled out for the rest of the night, with Nique Clifford joining the starters in LaVine’s place. Sacramento does not play its next game until Thursday; hopefully, that’s enough time for LaVine to recover from his latest injury.
Source: Brenden Nunes
DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
5 months ago
Strawther last appeared in a game on November 15. Even if he’s cleared to play on Monday, the third-year wing will likely be under a minutes restriction. There’s no need to consider adding Strawther, even as the Nuggets continue to play without Christian Braun.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
5 months ago
LaVine is back in the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s loss ot the Nuggets. His return means that Nique Clifford heads to the bench, where he provided minimal fantasy value at best. There may come a point later in the season when Clifford is worth rostering, but not now.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAC • Shooting Guard • #23
5 months ago
Ellis will play after initially being listed as questionable with a sore right wrist. With Dennis Schröder also available after missing time with a hip injury, there may not be as many minutes available to Ellis. He should not be rostered in most fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
5 months ago
Initially listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game, Schröder was upgraded to questionable early Sunday afternoon. He’s now officially good to go, rejoining the Kings after a seven-game absence. His return means that fellow reserve Malik Monk will spend less time on the ball, and Keon Ellis may lose a few minutes.
Source: Mark Haynes
SAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
5 months ago
Schroder was listed as doubtful on Saturday evening, but he’s now got a chance to take the court against the Timberwolves. If he’s available, Schroder could step back into the starting five, shifting Russell Westbrook back to the bench. Malik Monk and Keon Ellis (available) could also see a reduction in playing time.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
5 months ago
Schröder has missed Sacramento’s last seven games with a strained right hip flexor and is likely to miss an eighth on Sunday. Russell Westbrook, who took over the starting point guard job when Schröder was healthy, will continue to play most of the minutes at that position, with Malik Monk assuming additional playmaking responsibilities off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #15
5 months ago
Eubanks exited Thursday’s loss to the Nuggets after playing four first-quarter minutes. He has since been diagnosed with an avulsion fracture of his left thumb and will miss at least three weeks. Maxime Raynaud will continue to start in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis, and he’s worth streaming out of necessity. Precious Achiuwa’s playing time should increase as well, but Raynaud is the player to target.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
5 months ago
LaVine was held out of Thursday’s loss to the Nuggets due to a sore right thumb, opening up a spot in the starting lineup for Nique Clifford. Look for Clifford to head back to the bench on Sunday, but his playing time would not take as significant a hit if Keon Ellis (wrist) cannot play. Ellis is considered questionable for Sunday’s game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard • #23
5 months ago
The right-handed Ellis is dealing with a sore right wrist, hence his inclusion on the Kings’ injury report. The good news for Sacramento is that Zach LaVine (thumb) is off the injury report, so he would absorb most of the minutes that would go to Ellis. However, Ellis’ absence would also preserve some of Nique Clifford’s minutes after he started for LaVine on Thursday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #
5 months ago
Making his third straight start in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis (knee), Raynaud took on a challenging matchup in the form of Denver’s Nikola Jokić. He finished one rebound shy of a double-double and has reached double figures in scoring in four straight games. With Drew Eubanks exiting Thursday’s game with a right thumb injury, the Kings will likely need more production from Raynaud as they await Sabonis’ return. He’s rostered in 23 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and that number may increase ahead of Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves.
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
5 months ago
With Zach LaVine (thumb) unavailable, Clifford made his third start and first since November 5. Unfortunately, things did not go well for the rookie first-round pick, as he missed all six of his three-point attempts. Even though he wasn’t the choice to step in for LaVine, Malik Monk (18/4/5/1 with three three-pointers) is the safer option for fantasy managers needing a streamer, even though he committed five turnovers. There will be better days for Clifford, but he isn’t ready to impact fantasy basketball at this point in his career.
SAC • Power Forward and Small Forward • #13
5 months ago
Murray recorded a solid stat line on Thursday, including four “stocks.” And increased defensive production has been critical for the Kings forward, as he exits within an offense that has other options who are more ball-dominant than him. Over the past month, Murray has provided third-round per-game value in nine-cat formats. He and the Kings will look to bounce back when they visit the Timberwolves on Sunday in their final game of Week 8.
SAC • Point Guard and Small Forward • #4
5 months ago
Westbrook had a relatively efficient night on Thursday, but it did not keep the Kings from getting blown out of their own building. Over the past month, he has been close to a top-75 player in eight-cat formats. To the surprise of no one who’s experienced in fantasy basketball, Westbrook’s value is much lower in nine-cat formats because of the turnovers. He committed only two on Thursday, but the nature of the game resulted in Westbrook playing less than usual.
DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
5 months ago
After enjoying a run of at least 15 points in three straight games, Watson’s offensive production tailed off a bit ahead of Thursday’s game. The fourth-year forward surpassed the 20-point mark for the third time this season, somewhat compensating for the lack of defensive production. Over the past month, Watson has been ranked just outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats. While the absences of Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon have freed up opportunities for Watson, he’s still available in over 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
5 months ago
Murray didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, but he did lead the Nuggets with nine assists. So far, he’s had at least nine helpers in seven games this season, something he only did six times in 2024-25. While Murray’s fantasy value is not on par with that of teammate Nikola Jokić, he is closing in on first-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. The Nuggets play three games in Week 9, starting with the Rockets on Monday.
DEN • Center • #15
5 months ago
Jokić was well on his way to a 12th triple-double of the season, but the nature of Thursday’s game got in the way. Denver held a 28-point lead at the end of the third quarter, so there was no need for the three-time MVP to go back into the game. So, Jokić managers will have to settle for his 22nd double-double and tenth game of the season with at least 30 points. Unfortunately for those who have him rostered, the Nuggets don’t play again until Monday night against the Rockets.
SAC • Center and Power Forward • #15
5 months ago
Eubanks exited Thursday’s game after playing just under four first-quarter minutes after suffering a right thumb injury. The severity and how much time he could potentially miss won’t be learned until Friday, but Eubanks’ exit leaves the Kings light on options in the post. Maxime Raynaud will play plenty, with Precious Achiuwa slotting into the backup center role. That has also opened up rotation minutes for Doug McDermott.
Source: Jason Anderson
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
5 months ago
As reported earlier Thursday, Clifford will move into the starting lineup due to Zach LaVine being out with a thumb injury. While he isn’t a must-add just yet, the rookie guard is worth tracking, especially in case the Kings manage to move one of their veterans ahead of the February trade deadline.
Source: Sacramento Kings
SAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
5 months ago
Schröder was initially doubtful for Thursday’s game, so the downgrade in status is unsurprising. While his absence does not affect starter Russell Westbrook, there should be more on-ball opportunities for Malik Monk off the bench. He’s worth rostering in deep leagues, as the Kings will also be without Zach LaVine.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard • #
5 months ago
Clifford is averaging just under 15 minutes per game over his last five games, but he had 16 points, seven rebounds, and one steal in 32 minutes in the G-League on Tuesday and will now be back up with the Kings and in the starting lineup. We wouldn’t go ahead and run to add him yet, but it does make sense for the Kings to give their rookie more playing time in what’s looking to be a lost season.
Source: Mark Haynes
SAC • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #71
5 months ago
Schröder has missed the last six games with a strained right hip flexor. It’s unlikely that he returns Thursday against the Nuggets given his doubtful listing. Schröder’s eventual return will cut into Russell Westbrook’s minutes significantly.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
5 months ago
LaVine is coming off a 16-point performance in Monday’s loss to the Pacers, but the 30-year-old shooting guard has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Nuggets with right thumb soreness. His absence opens up minutes for Keon Ellis and Nique Clifford.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
5 months ago
LaVine’s shot attempts have fluctuated wildly recently. After attempting five shots in a December 3 loss to the Rockets, he got up 24 in Saturday’s win over the Heat. In Indianapolis, LaVine attempted 13 shots and finished with a final line that won’t make much of a dent in fantasy leagues. Over the past two weeks, he has provided ninth-round value in eight-cat formats, ranking just outside the top-100. The Kings play twice more in Week 8, starting with the Nuggets on Thursday.
DEN • Center • #15
5 months ago
Jokić fell one rebound shy of a triple-double, but fantasy managers will undoubtedly take the final line that he produced in Charlotte. The Nuggets center remains the best player in fantasy basketball, regardless of league format. And the break in the schedule due to the NBA Cup should do Jokić some good, as the Nuggets don’t play again until Thursday against the Kings. With Domantas Sabonis (knee) sidelined, that stands to be another big night for The Joker.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
5 months ago
Except for the Nuggets’ December 1 loss to the Mavericks, which he left prematurely with a sprained right ankle, Murray has been on a roll since mid-November. Since November 15, the Nuggets guard has scored at least 30 points on four occasions, including Sunday’s efficient 34-point performance. During this time span, Murray has been a first-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats, which is slightly better than his season-long value. While the Nuggets only play once in Week 8, it’s against a Kings team ranked in the bottom five of the NBA in points allowed and defensive rating.
DEN • Point Guard, Small Forward, and Shooting Guard • #00
5 months ago
Brown’s contributions this season have been inconsistent, but he’s still capable of making a large impact. He matched his season high for steals and scored in double digits for a second straight game while playing a season-high 32 minutes. Brown isn’t worth rostering, but he is still making an impact off the bench for Denver.
DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
5 months ago
He wasn’t able to come anywhere close to his 52 points from Wednesday’s game, but Murray was still able to have a productive night. 17 of his 23 points came in the second half to help Denver get the comeback win in Atlanta. Murray is enjoying the best season of his career, and it could result in his first All-Star appearance in February.
DEN • Center • #15
5 months ago
It was a tale of two halves for Jokić. He struggled mightily in the first half of this game and entered the break with 10 points on 2-of-13 shooting, but he came out firing to start the third quarter. He had 19 points without missing a shot in the third, which brought Denver within striking distance, and then he added 11 more to complete the comeback. Jokić failed to record a double-double for just the second time this season, but it was certainly a masterclass performance.
DEN • Small Forward • #21
5 months ago
Jones left Wednesday’s game against the Pacers with right knee soreness, but is available for Friday’s game against the Hawks. The 24-year-old power forward should continue to provide solid streaming value with Aaron Gordon still sidelined.