Nique

Clifford

DeRozan’s output was limited on Thursday, and that’s been the case since the All-Star break. In eight games, the veteran wing has averaged 14.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 0.8 steals while shooting 43 percent from the field. DeRozan played 27 minutes against the Pelicans, and his playing time is something to watch moving forward. Fellow starter Nique Clifford (7/5/3 with one three-pointer) only played 21 minutes against New Orleans, and for the Kings’ future, it would probably be best if Clifford were asked to log heavy minutes the rest of the way.

Clifford struggled from beyond the arc on Tuesday, missing all five of his attempts. The good news is that the rookie guard shot over 50 percent from two-point range, and he also provided solid production in rebounds, assists, and steals. Clifford played 39 minutes, an encouraging number, even if it may not be sustainable for the rest of the season. The key is that he’s getting a lot of playing time, which makes Clifford a more attractive option during the silly season.

With Zach LaVine done for the season and Keegan Murray currently out with a sprained ankle, Clifford should take on a more prominent role moving forward. He’s reached double figures in four straight games, with the 26 points being the most for the rookie since dropping a season-high 30 in a February 7 loss to the Cavaliers. A top-100 player over the past month, Clifford has silly season standout potential, especially with the Kings headed for the draft lottery. The Kings play three games in Week 19, starting with the Suns on Tuesday.

Murray aggravated his sprained left ankle during Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets and was forced to exit. Nique Clifford entered the lineup to start the third quarter of that game and should retain that role, making him a player worth rostering. Also worth a look in deeper leagues is Daeqwon Plowden, but he is not a must-add.

Clifford entered the starting lineup with Keegan Murray (ankle) sidelined for this game. Though it was a rough shooting night for the rookie, he was able to pour in the counting stats. With Sacramento currently holding the worst record in the league, Clifford should see plenty of minutes down the stretch of this season, which should lead to strong fantasy production.

The Kings won’t have Russell Westbrook or Keegan Murray for Thursday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. They’ll be replaced in the lineup by Carter and Clifford, with the latter offering a higher ceiling for the silly season. Sacramento’s other three starters are unchanged.

The Kings are littered with injuries and are trending to have the best lottery odds for the top pick in the draft, so they’re not going to push Westbrook here. Nique Clifford and Devin Carter figure to pick up the majority of the minutes and usage with Westbrook out.

While Clifford was not in the starting lineup on Wednesday, he did start the third quarter due to Keegan Murray aggravating his sprained left ankle. The first-round pick out of Colorado State played 28 minutes in Houston, and he may take on an enhanced role as soon as Thursday’s game in Dallas. If so, Clifford has the potential to join fellow rookie Maxime Rayanud (11 points, eight rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes) on the list of first-year players who can be serious factors in fantasy basketball during the silly season.

Carter popped up on the injury report Monday afternoon with a back injury and has since been ruled out for the game against the Grizzlies. Malik Monk and Nique Clifford should both see more minutes and are worth streaming on a three-game slate with Carter out.

Carter’s late addition to Monday’s injury report doesn’t bode well for his availability. If Carter is unable to take the court, Malik Monk and Nique Clifford should see a boost in minutes, making both guards appealing streamers for the small slate.