Eastern Conference
Sign in
Sign in and connect Sleeper to unlock personalized fantasy insights.
71 articles
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
13 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 • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
16 days 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
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
18 days 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 • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
19 days 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 • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
25 days ago
After totaling 34 points in his first two games back from injury, LaVine surpassed that number on Sunday. Given the matchup, with the Wizards having the youngest team in the NBA and also headed for the draft lottery, it’s unsurprising that he had a big night. However, with the trade deadline on the horizon, it’s worth questioning what LaVine’s future will be. The size of his contract may make it difficult for the Kings to find a trade partner, and if he doesn’t get moved, how much will he play after the deadline? Sacramento plays three games in Week 16, two of which are after Thursday’s trade deadline.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
27 days ago
LaVine came off the bench in his return from a two-game absence on Thursday, and he returned to the starting lineup 24 hours later. He scored 17 points in both games, though he was more efficient in this one, even if the result on the scoreboard was the same. LaVine’s name will be floated around in trade rumors as the deadline approaches, but until then, he’ll remain a decent scoring option, even if he hasn’t been able to score as much as he typically does in recent weeks.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
28 days ago
LaVine returned from a two-game absence with back soreness, but he came off the bench in his first game back. He came off the bench three times during his tenure with the Bulls, but he has been a full-time starter since the 2015-16 season, which was his second in the league. He still played 29 minutes, while Nique Clifford, who started again, played 27 minutes. Assuming LaVine is available for the second leg of this back-to-back in Boston, he should return to the starting lineup.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
28 days ago
The Kings won’t have Russell Westbrook for Thursday’s game, so Schröder will start. Also of note is Clifford remaining in the starting lineup despite LaVine being available after a two-game absence. As a result, Clifford still has some fantasy value in the short term, and his ceiling should be raised after the All-Star break.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
29 days ago
LaVine has missed Sacramento’s last two games due to a sore back. His return will push Nique Clifford to the bench, eliminating what little value the rookie had in redraft leagues. However, those who can afford to stash Clifford ahead of the “silly season” can hold onto him.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
LaVine sat out Sunday against the Pistons, which allowed Nique Clifford to enter the starting lineup. Clifford logged a productive 15/3/1 line with a block and two triples across 33 minutes, making him a worthwhile addition in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
LaVine did not play in Sunday’s loss to the Pistons, resulting in Nique Clifford moving into the starting lineup. The rookie played 33 minutes, finishing with 15 points, three rebounds, one assist, one block and two three-pointers. While not a must-stream player, Clifford will have value during the “silly season” based on where the Kings are in the Western Conference standings.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
Added to the Kings’ injury report late Saturday night, LaVine is now officially out for Sunday’s game in Detroit. When Sacramento played two games in late December without LaVine and Keegan Murray (ankle), Keon Ellis was inserted into the starting lineup. However, the fourth-year guard has picked up DNP-CDs in each of the Kings’ last five games. For that reason, Nique Clifford may be the more likely choice to start, but he should only be rostered in dynasty leagues.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
LaVine was not on the initial injury report released by the Kings. If he’s unable to play, rookie Nique Clifford may be the player picked to move into the starting lineup. It may also mean that there’s room for Malik Monk and Keon Ellis in the rotation, but don’t bet on that happening.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
Since scoring 20 points in each of his first two games back after being sidelined by a sprained ankle, LaVine has just one 20-point effort over his last eight appearances. Since returning, the veteran wing has been a ninth-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats. That doesn’t align with LaVine’s ADP (61), but things could be a lot worse for those who have him rostered.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
The five three-pointers were the most LaVine has made in a game since December 6, when he knocked down a season-high eight against the Heat. Wednesday’s game also ended a run of three consecutive games in which he failed to score at least 20 points. LaVine didn’t record any defensive stats, and that’s been an issue for him throughout the season. Over the past two weeks, he has only been an eighth-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 1 month ago
For the second consecutive night, LaVine knocked down three three-pointers in a home victory. He’s scored between 18 and 20 points in three of the Kings’ last four games. However, while Sacramento’s improved offensive balance has resulted in the team winning consecutive games for the first time since late November, LaVine’s fantasy value has taken a hit. He doesn’t offer much value outside of points and three-pointers, so he needs the high shot volume to make good on his Yahoo! ADP (62).
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
The Kings had something on Sunday that has been difficult for them to achieve on most nights: offensive balance. Four of the five starters attempted between 10 and 13 shots, as did reserves Malik Monk and Dylan Cardwell. LaVine may not have offered much value beyond points, three-pointers and percentages, but the balance helped Sacramento pick up one of its best wins of the season. As the trade deadline draws closer, LaVine will be one of the players to watch as the Kings need to get younger for the future.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
LaVine’s 6-of-8 night from inside the arc was countered by a 1-of-7 outside of it. Friday’s game was his second in the starting lineup since returning from a sprained ankle. With the Kings not showing signs of being able to climb out of the hole that they’ve dug themselves, this is a team to watch in the lead-up to the February trade deadline. LaVine’s name has been mentioned in rumors, and fantasy managers should hope for a change of scenery to ensure that he’s relevant during the playoff weeks.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
After playing 36 minutes off the bench in his first game back from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for nine games, LaVine was back in the starting lineup on Tuesday. The Kings did not have Keegan Murray, who will miss three to four weeks with a sprained ankle, so LaVine’s promotion did not come at the expense of Precious Achiuwa (nine points, nine rebounds, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in 22 minutes). LaVine recorded a complete stat line against Dallas, and he has the tools needed to threaten top-50 per-game value. Of course, that depends on how the Kings handle the trade deadline, as they should probably be “sellers.”
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
The Kings won’t have Keegan Murray, as he is out for at least three to four weeks with a sprained ankle. His absence means that Achiuwa will remain in the starting lineup, with LaVine filling the void left by Murray.
Source: NBA Lineups
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Active after a nine-game absence, LaVine was not restricted in any way on Sunday. He did come off the bench, with Precious Achiuwa (four points, three rebounds and two steals in 15 minutes) remaining in the starting lineup. However, with LaVine playing 36 minutes, he’ll likely start as soon as Tuesday’s game against the Mavericks. With Keegan Murray exiting Sunday’s game with a sprained ankle, there’s a chance that Achiuwa remains in the starting lineup for at least one more game, even if LaVine is promoted.
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
After a nine-game absence, LaVine has been cleared to return to action Sunday night. His return will likely bump Precious Achiuwa to the bench, with Dennis Schröder also taking a hit to his fantasy value, despite his role not changing.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
LaVine hasn’t played since Dec. 14, and he won’t make his return against Phoenix. Precious Achiuwa should continue to start, though he hasn’t been consistently productive for fantasy managers. Dennis Schroder has been playing well off the bench with LaVine sidelined and is the better fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
2 months ago
Precious Achiuwa has been starting in place of LaVine, but he hasn’t seen the minutes that starters typically do. Dennis Schroder and Nique Clifford have seen extra minutes off the bench, and Schroder has been particularly productive, which should continue for at least one more week.
Source: Sean Cunningham
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
2 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
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
2 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
SAC • Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
2 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, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
2 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, Small Forward, and Point Guard • #8
3 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
3 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.