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Keegan Murray Keegan Murray (hip) limited to 11 points Friday
Fri, Apr 19, 2024, 7:06 PM
Keegan Murray (left hip) shot 4-of-12 from the field and 1-of-2 from the foul line in Friday's 105-98 loss to New Orleans, tallying 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block, and two 3-pointers in 38 minutes.
Analysis: After torching the Warriors on Tuesday, Murray could not rebound from a slow start in Friday's loss to New Orleans. He began 2-of-7 from the field, and suffering a left hip injury during the second quarter didn't help. Murray did return and go on to play 38 minutes, but a solid second season in the NBA came to a disappointing end. Beginning the season with a Yahoo ADP of 104.5, the 2022 lottery pick ranked just outside the top 50 in 8- and 9-cat formats. The key for Murray moving forward will be to play with consistent aggression and not go through stretches in which he's overly deferential to De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. At a minimum, he'll be worth selecting with a top-75 pick in standard league drafts. |
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Harrison Barnes Harrison Barnes scores 17 in season finale vs. NOR
Fri, Apr 19, 2024, 6:59 PM
Harrison Barnes accumulated 17 points (6-of-14 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, and three 3-pointers in 38 minutes in Friday's 105-98 loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Barnes was solid in his final game of the season, duplicating his point total from Tuesday's win over the Kings. Something evident in the Kings' six games against the Pelicans (all losses) was a need to get more athletic on the wings. Sacramento should emphasize improving that area of the roster during the offseason, especially in free agency. Barnes has two seasons remaining on his contract, but the positions held by him and Kevin Huerter (when healthy) for most of the 2023-24 campaign are worth keeping an eye on. Entering the season with a Yahoo ADP of 143.4, Barnes finished ranked outside the top 150 in 8- and 9-cat formats. He should be a late-round pick, at best, next season if his role does not change. |
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Domantas Sabonis Domantas Sabonis posts 23/14/7/3/1 line vs. Pels
Fri, Apr 19, 2024, 6:52 PM
Domantas Sabonis played 42 minutes in Friday's 105-98 loss to New Orleans, accounting for 23 points (9-of-14 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), 14 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one blocked shot.
Analysis: As was the case on many nights, Sabonis recorded a double-double in his final game of the 2023-24 season. He recorded a league-best 77 double-doubles, including 61 straight at one point. Sabonis posted a full stat line on Friday, par for the course for a player who provided top 20 per-game value in 8-cat formats. He finished the season ranked 30th in 9-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Sabonis did not make good on his Yahoo ADP (15), but he wasn't far off, with free-throw percentage (70.4%) and turnovers (3.3 per game) being the issues. He's unlikely to last past the end of the second round in most drafts next fall. |
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De'Aaron Fox De'Aaron Fox scores game-high 35 points in finale
Fri, Apr 19, 2024, 6:40 PM
De'Aaron Fox shot 12-of-29 from the field and 7-of-11 from the foul line in Friday's 105-98 loss to the Pelicans, scoring 35 points with seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and four 3-pointers in 42 minutes.
Analysis: Fox produced a gaudy point total in his final action of the 2023-24 season, but the Pelicans made him work for his numbers. The Kings point guard was inefficient, shooting 4-of-16 from three while committing five turnovers. While Fox's scoring (26.6), rebound (4.6), and steal (2.0) averages increased in comparison to last season, his field-goal and free-throw percentages decreased. However, that did not prevent him from providing 2nd-round per-game value in 8- and 9-cat formats, and the same can be said for Fox's totals value. If he's to threaten 1st-round value in 2024-25, the percentages need to improve. |
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Domantas Sabonis Domantas Sabonis posts 16/12/7/2/1 line vs. GSW
Tue, Apr 16, 2024, 6:55 PM
Domantas Sabonis finished Tuesday's 118-94 win over the Warriors with 16 points (7-of-14 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), 12 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one blocked shot in 37 minutes.
Analysis: Sabonis and the Kings are one step closer to a second straight playoff berth, as they took advantage of offensive rebounds and Warriors turnovers to keep their season alive. The NBA leader in double-doubles recorded another on Tuesday, finishing three assists shy of a triple-double. Also, Sabonis only committed one turnover in his 37 minutes on the floor. The Kings will visit New Orleans on Friday, with the winner receiving the West's No. 8-seed. New Orleans won all five regular-season meetings by an average of 19.0 points. |
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Keegan Murray Keegan Murray torches Warriors for 32 points
Tue, Apr 16, 2024, 6:45 PM
Keegan Murray shot 10-of-20 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line in Tuesday's win over the Warriors, scoring 32 points with nine rebounds, two steals, and eight 3-pointers in 39 minutes.
Analysis: What a night for Murray, who scored 11 of Sacramento's first 15 points and did not let up. The second-year forward improved his production across the board compared to his rookie campaign, except for 3-point percentage (35.8% compared to 41.1% last season). Murray finished the regular season providing 5th-round per-game value in 9-cat formats while ranking just inside the top 100 in 8-cat. Tuesday's victory earned Sacramento a matchup with New Orleans on Friday, and the winner will be the 8-seed in the West. |
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De'Aaron Fox De'Aaron Fox scores 24 in blowout of Warriors
Tue, Apr 16, 2024, 6:44 PM
De'Aaron Fox played 39 minutes in Tuesday's 118-94 win over the Warriors, accounting for 24 points (11-of-25 FGs, 0-of-1 FTs), four rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: All five Kings starters finished Tuesday's win in double figures, with Fox being one of two (Keegan Murray) to score at least 20. In addition to the 24 points, Swipa dished out six assists while only committing one turnover in his 39 minutes on the floor. Next up for the Kings is a matchup with New Orleans on Friday, and the Pelicans won all five meetings by an average of 19.0 points. Fox struggled with inefficiency in those matchups, shooting 40.9% from the field and averaging 4.0 turnovers per game. |
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Domantas Sabonis Domantas Sabonis turns in 18/11/9 line vs. Blazers
Sun, Apr 14, 2024, 12:43 PM
Domantas Sabonis stuffed the stat sheet on Sunday with 18 points (7-of-10 FGs), 11 rebounds and nine assists against the Trail Blazers.
Analysis: Sabonis posted a full stat line on Sunday and likely would have recorded a triple-double if the game was closer. He entered halftime with 10 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, but he only ended up logging 27 minutes in this game. His current three-game double-double streak isn't as impressive as his 61-game streak, and it will take him a while to match that again. They'll host the Warriors in the 9-10 Play-In matchup on Tuesday after they split the season series 2-2. Before winning this game, they lost five of their previous six games, so they'll need to get back on track to return to the playoffs. |
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De'Aaron Fox De'Aaron Fox scores 24 in rout of Trail Blazers
Sun, Apr 14, 2024, 12:32 PM
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 24 points (10-of-14 FGs), two rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block and two triples in a 121-82 win over Portland on Sunday.
Analysis: Fox only needed 26 minutes in this game to have a big scoring night, and he did it while maintaining efficiency and posting a full stat line. The win locked them in as the 9th seed in the West, where they will host the Warriors in the first Play-In game. If they win, they will take on the loser of Pelicans-Lakers, with a chance to play the Thunder on the line. It is a very different scenario from last season, when they hosted the Warriors at the 3rd seed, but they will still get to add another chapter to their rivalry with Golden State. |
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Trey Lyles Trey Lyles (illness) available Sunday vs. Portland
Sun, Apr 14, 2024, 7:48 AM
Sean Cunningham on Twitter
Trey Lyles (illness) is available for Sunday's game against Portland.
Analysis: While Lyles has been a dependable option within the Kings' rotation, he has not done enough to merit being rostered in most active fantasy leagues. |
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Trey Lyles Trey Lyles (illness) questionable vs. Portland
Sun, Apr 14, 2024, 2:44 AM
NBA Injury Report
Trey Lyles (illness) is questionable to play against Portland on Sunday.
Analysis: Lyles has played a decent-sized role off the bench since returning from an MCL sprain, but that hasn't led to much fantasy production. Sasha Vezenkov and Kessler Edwards will likely soak up some minutes of Lyles sits out, but neither will be worth streaming. |
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Keon Ellis Keon Ellis finishes with 17 points, two triples
Fri, Apr 12, 2024, 8:01 PM
Keon Ellis played 33 minutes in Friday's 108-107 loss to the Suns with 17 points (7-of-11 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), three rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: Consistency has been an issue for Ellis since moving into the starting lineup, but he had a solid showing on Friday. One night after scoring five points in a loss to the Pelicans, he contributed 17 points against the Suns. Ellis has reached double figures in only three of the seven games he's played in April, and Sacramento needs more with Kevin Huerter (shoulder) and Malik Monk (knee) sidelined. All five starters scored in double figures for the Kings on Friday. That includes De'Aaron Fox, who amassed 23 points, five rebounds, six assists, four steals, and three 3-pointers in 41 minutes. The Kings need a win over Portland and a Lakers' loss to the Pelicans on Sunday to earn the 8-seed ahead of next week's Play-In tournament. |
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Keegan Murray Keegan Murray scores 23 points, hits five triples
Fri, Apr 12, 2024, 7:50 PM
Keegan Murray shot 9-of-19 from the field in Friday's loss to the Suns, amassing 23 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and five 3-pointers in 43 minutes.
Analysis: After scoring 19 points or less in his first six appearances in April, Murray surpassed the 20-point mark for the first time since March 31 (25 vs. Utah). He's made five 3-pointers in consecutive games while also tallying 12 rebounds and five steals. Murray's a safe bet for points and 3-point production; if he can offer consistent value in the rebound and steals categories, his fantasy value will increase in 2024-25. Murray's averages have increased across the board compared to his rookie campaign, which is what the Kings (and fantasy managers) want to see. |
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Domantas Sabonis Domantas Sabonis records 25/12/9/2 line vs. Suns
Fri, Apr 12, 2024, 7:43 PM
Domantas Sabonis played 42 minutes in Friday's 108-107 loss to Phoenix, scoring 25 points (9-of-18 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs) with 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: After going ten games without making a 3-pointer (0-of-3), Sabonis made two on Friday. Friday's game was the first in which he's hit multiple triples since January 25, when he made both of his attempts in a win over the Warriors. Overall, Sabonis did his usual handiwork, recording a double-double while being impactful as a facilitator (nine assists). With Friday's defeat, the Kings need a win over the Blazers and a Lakers' loss to the Pelicans on Sunday to earn the 8-seed in the West. |
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JaVale McGee JaVale McGee (illness) removed from injury report
Fri, Apr 12, 2024, 9:50 AM
NBA Injury Report
JaVale McGee (illness) is not on the injury report for Friday's game against the Suns.
Analysis: McGee was a late scratch for Thursday's loss to the Pelicans, but his absence did not impact fantasy basketball or the Kings' rotation. That will also be the case on Friday despite McGee's clearance. |
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De'Aaron Fox De'Aaron Fox (ankle) absent from injury report
Fri, Apr 12, 2024, 9:35 AM
NBA Injury Report
De'Aaron Fox (right ankle sprain) is not on the injury report for Friday's game against the Suns.
Analysis: Fox injured his ankle during the fourth quarter of Thursday's loss to the Pelicans. However, he said after the game that he would be fine, and the absence from the injury report confirms this. Look for Fox to take on his usual workload as the Kings attempt to earn the 7-seed ahead of next week's Play-In tournament. |
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Domantas Sabonis Domantas Sabonis begins new double-double streak
Thu, Apr 11, 2024, 7:47 PM
Domantas Sabonis played 34 minutes in Thursday's loss to the Pelicans, finishing with 18 points (8-of-12 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Analysis: Sacramento's two playmakers struggled with turnovers on Thursday, with Sabonis (four) and De'Aaron Fox (six) committing ten of the team's 14 on the night. The good news for Sabonis managers is that he started a new double-double streak, tallying 18 points and 10 rebounds on the night. The Kings host the Suns on Friday in a critical game for both teams. If Sacramento is to have any chance of finishing seventh in the West, they have to beat Phoenix (and Portland on Sunday). |
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Harrison Barnes Harrison Barnes scores 22 points vs. Pelicans
Thu, Apr 11, 2024, 7:37 PM
Harrison Barnes tallied 22 points (9-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers in Thursday's loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: Barnes played 32 minutes and was one of four Kings starters to finish Thursday's defeat in double figures. And this was a performance he desperately needed. In the Kings' prior five games, Barnes scored 28 points on 7-of-30 shooting from the field. He was significantly better on Thursday, with the 22 points being the most the veteran forward's scored since March 31 (24 vs. Utah). Keegan Murray also had a solid night on offense, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and five 3-pointers in 36 minutes. |
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De'Aaron Fox De'Aaron Fox (ankle) leads Kings with 33 points
Thu, Apr 11, 2024, 7:31 PM
Frankie Cartoscelli on Twitter
De'Aaron Fox (right ankle sprain) finished Thursday's 135-123 loss to the Pelicans with 33 points (11-of-18 FGs, 8-of-10 FTs), five rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers in 41 minutes.
Analysis: Fox got off to a good start on Thursday, scoring 11 points in the first quarter. The Pelicans did a better job of defending him from that point onward. While Fox finished with 33 points and shot over 50% from the field, he was also responsible for six of Sacramento's 14 turnovers. More concerning than the turnovers was his ankle injury during the fourth quarter. The good news is Fox said after the game that it wasn't as bad as the injury he suffered earlier this season, and he'd be alright. Due to the defeat, the Kings are locked into the Play-In tournament. The goal is to earn the 7-seed, ensuring they'd host the 8-seed. |
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JaVale McGee JaVale McGee (illness) out Thursday vs. Pelicans
Thu, Apr 11, 2024, 2:07 PM
James Ham on Twitter
JaVale McGee (illness) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Pelicans.
Analysis: McGee will not be available for Thursday's game, but this will not impact fantasy basketball. Alex Len has been ahead of JaVale in the pecking order, with both backing up Domantas Sabonis. |
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