Dylan Cardwell (calf) misses practice on Monday

Raynaud underwent an MRI on his right knee that revealed a right patellar subluxation, according to the team. He’ll be reevaluated in two weeks. Raynaud left Saturday night’s preseason game against the Warriors in the second quarter due to the injury. Considering he was taken to the locker room on a stretcher, it’s encouraging that it appears he was able to avoid a more significant injury. Dylan Cardwell will have more opportunities as the Kings’ backup center in Raynaud’s absence.

Raynaud was injured while attempting to set a screen for teammate Darius Acuff Jr. during the second quarter of Saturday’s exhibition. The second-year center appeared to take a hit to his right knee and immediately fell to the court in pain. Raynaud was eventually taken back to the locker room on a stretcher. If he misses time, Dylan Cardwell’s role becomes even more important behind starting center Domantas Sabonis.

Cardwell’s final stat line is one that category league managers dream of getting when the games actually count. Not selected in the 2025 draft, his defensive activity made the 6-foot-11 center a fan favorite as a rookie. And that should remain the case, especially if Cardwell can provide value similar to what he did on Monday. Of course, fantasy managers won’t expect to see him put up eight “stocks” and 12 rebounds consistently, but rotation minutes should be available. And if the Kings find a new home for Domantas Sabonis, Cardwell could become a player worth rostering in some standard leagues.

As an undrafted rookie last season, Cardwell was able to make a big impact on the defensive end, which he carried right over into summer league. He isn’t the most dynamic offensive player, but Cardwell is a valuable piece in the Kings’ frontcourt and should be able to contribute defensive stats when he gets the opportunity this upcoming season. However, with Domantas Sabonis healthy, the minutes may not be quite as plentiful.

Rostered in eight percent of Yahoo! leagues, Cardwell provided fantasy managers with an excellent stat line on Sunday. One game removed from blocking five shots in a win over the Pelicans, the rookie center recorded four more in the 138-109 loss to the Clippers. Add in the rebounds, steals and field-goal percentage, and Cardwell’s performance was an excellent capper to his Week 23. For fantasy managers in leagues that run through Week 24, the Kings play three games, and Cardwell should continue to play extended minutes.

Achiuwa is back after sitting out Tuesday’s loss to the Hornets. His return means that Patrick Baldwin Jr. will head to the bench, and Dylan Cardwell may miss out on a few minutes.

Achiuwa was held out of Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Hornets, with Patrick Baldwin Jr. logging 28 minutes as his replacement in the starting lineup. However, Dylan Cardwell grabbed 11 rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench and is the superior streaming option if Achiuwa remains out.

Achiuwa finished with a 14/15 double-double on Sunday, but he’ll get the night off while dealing with lower back soreness. Dyland Cardwell and Daeqwon Plowden should see additional run against Charlotte with Achiuwa out of action.

Achiuwa, who put up 14 points and 15 rebounds in Sunday’s win over the Nets, is dealing with lower back soreness. If he can’t play on Tuesday, Dylan Cardwll could figure more prominently in the Kings’ rotation.

Eubanks is set to miss another game with a sore left thumb. Dylan Cardwell played 13 minutes off the bench in Eubanks’ absence Saturday against the Clippers, but had no points to go with six rebounds.