Malik

Monk

LaVine shot the ball well on Sunday, but the playing time was an eye-opener. He played 25 minutes against the Heat and did not return after being subbed out with 4:03 remaining in the third quarter. The Kings made no injury announcement, and LaVine was called for one foul, so foul trouble couldn’t have been the reason. Kings head coach Doug Christie played Darius Acuff Jr. and Malik Monk (9/2/3/1) in the backcourt for the entire fourth quarter, which left no room for LaVine. That’s something for fantasy managers to watch moving forward.

Hunter’s absence opens up a spot in the Kings’ starting lineup. Malik Monk and Leaky Black may see their minutes increase, whether or not they join the starting lineup.

With Keegan Murray (ankle) still on the shelf, Sacramento’s rotation is already thin. If Hunter is forced to sit out against San Antonio, Emanuel Sharp and Malik Monk could handle additional minutes.

Malik Monk is currently shooting 35.1% from the field on the season which is currently a career low, including his rookie season. He has really struggled to get into a rhythm and the Kings are not as interested in playing and utilizing his skillset. He should start hitting more shots, but the disinterest in the organization to play him isn’t a great sign for his long term future in the league.

After totaling 19 points in his first five appearances of the season, Monk snapped out of that funk in a major way on Monday. The Kings’ bench sparkplug scored 11 points in the first half and 13 in the second, and no one will turn down Monk’s seven assists, either. Also, he played a season-high 30 minutes on Monday. If Monk continues to play mid-to-high 20s minutes, his chances of providing reliable deep-league fantasy value increase.

LaVine is dealing with right elbow inflammation. He hasn’t missed a game this season, but if that changes, Malik Monk could take on a bigger role, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Monk missed Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers, but was initially listed as probable for Friday’s tilt with the Trail Blazers. He’s since been upgraded to available and will play in tonight’s home opener. Monk should assume his typical role as a reserve guard for the Kings.

Monk is on track to make his first appearance of the season after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers. With Ben Simmons (Achilles) out for the season, the Kings may turn to Monk to do more on-ball playmaking when rookie Darius Acuff Jr. needs a rest.

Monk was trending in the wrong direction with his ankle injury throughout the day and has since been ruled out against the Clippers Wednesday. Emanuel Sharp could see additional minutes in this one, but isn’t worth streaming in most formats.

Initially questionable for Wednesday’s season opener, Monk’s status is trending in the wrong direction. If he can’t play, rookie Emanuel Sharp’s role could expand, but he won’t be worth the streaming risk in most leagues.