Malik

Monk

While Monk still hasn’t reached the point where he can be considered in some 12-team leagues, the good news is that he’s getting consistent rotation minutes. He’s played at least 19 minutes in seven of his last eight appearances, a stretch in which Monk’s shot 50.6 percent from the field. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much defensive production, which limits Monk’s fantasy potential. For whatever reason, Kings head coach Doug Christie has essentially decided that only one of Monk or Keon Ellis (DNP-CD) can be in the rotation on any given night. It has been Monk’s turn recently, but that could change at any time.

With no Keon Ellis (knee) in the fold, Monk’s place within the Kings’ rotation has remained secure. He’s played at least 16 minutes in six consecutive games, a run in which Monk has surpassed 20 points twice. He didn’t offer much value outside of points, three-pointers and field-goal percentage in Sunday’s defeat, but Monk having a consistent role is good news for those who have him rostered.

Ellis will sit out again after missing Friday’s matchup with Washington. His absence could mean a few more minutes for Malik Monk.

Ellis was added to the injury report Friday afternoon as questionable with a knee injury and was subsequently ruled out for the matchup with the Wizards. Malik Monk could see more minutes with Ellis sidelined, but otherwise the Kings rotation won’t be impacted.

Ellis is a late addition to the injury report. However, it shouldn’t impact the Kings’ rotation much if he isn’t able to suit up; over their last three games, he’s averaged under eight minutes per game. Malik Monk may see a few extra minutes if Ellis is unavailable.

After picking up three straight DNP-CDs, Monk has logged at least 19 minutes in each of the Kings’ last three games. Sacramento’s won two, and he had arguably his best all-around game of the season on Monday. Monk recorded season-highs in points, assists and three-pointers, doing his damage in 32 minutes off the bench. While Monday’s performance should inspire confidence among fantasy managers, it remains challenging to predict Doug Christie’s rotation on a nightly basis.

For those who may have hoped that Dennis Schröder’s three-game suspension would have cleared room in the Kings’ rotation for Monk and Keon Ellis, Sunday night was a disappointment. Monk had no issue getting minutes, as his 26 led all five reserves who saw time. However, one game removed from being in the starting lineup, Ellis played seven minutes and grabbed one rebound. While Monk’s night may inspire some optimism among deep-league managers heading into the Kings’ four-game Week 13, it’s tough to trust him or Ellis in fantasy basketball.

Ellis played five minutes before exiting with a left thumb injury, and he has been ruled out for the rest of the night. With Keegan Murray (ankle) also leaving Sunday’s game due to injury, the Kings have relied mainly on a seven-man rotation. Malik Monk has not played, which doesn’t bode well for his chances of becoming fantasy-relevant if Ellis and Murray miss time.

While Keon Ellis (two points and one blocked shot in 22 minutes) continues to start for the injured Zach LaVine, Monk has worked his way back into the Kings’ rotation. However, the scoring output has not been what some fantasy managers may have hoped. Monk has scored 11 points or fewer in each of his last three appearances, with Sunday being the only time he hit double figures. Fantasy managers who may have considered adding Monk in the aftermath of his return to the rotation should hold off on doing that.

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.