Nique

Clifford

LaVine is coming off a 16-point performance in Monday’s loss to the Pacers, but the 30-year-old shooting guard has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Nuggets with right thumb soreness. His absence opens up minutes for Keon Ellis and Nique Clifford.

Monday’s game will be the sixth that Schröder has missed with a strained right hip flexor. Russell Westbrook had already claimed the starting point guard job before Sacramento lost Schröder, so his continued absence affects the bench more. Nique Clifford has seen his playing time increase recently, while Keon Ellis’ role has been inconsistent. Neither is a must-stream in this spot.

Murray is dealing with soreness in his right trapezius muscle, so he’s on the Kings’ initial injury report for Monday. If he’s unable to play against the Pacers, more minutes will be available to Malik Monk and Nique Clifford. Monk offers a higher fantasy ceiling, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Schröder has missed Sacramento’s last five games, most recently playing on November 24. With Russell Westbrook seemingly locked into the starting point guard role, as he replaced Schröder before the injury, rookie Nique Clifford stands to be the player most likely to lose out on minutes if the veteran guard plays.

Yes, Westbrook committed six turnovers. However, he also recorded his eighth double-double, continuing to offer greater value than many anticipated when the Kings signed him at the end of the preseason. Westbrook will continue to possess increased fantasy value while Dennis Schröder (hip) is out, and there’s also more room in the rotation for rookie Nique Clifford. He played 18 minutes off the bench, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, one steal and one three-pointer. The Kings are one of the few teams that play three games in Week 8, boosting the values of Westbrook and Clifford in leagues that don’t combine Weeks 8 and 9.

Achiuwa has been starting lately for Sacramento, but if he isn’t available, Nique Clifford should slide into the starting lineup. There’s also a chance Kings coach Doug Christie rolls out a smaller starting unit, which could mean Keon Ellis gets the starting nod.

Monk missed Sacramento’s last game and could miss a second straight outing. Kings coach Doug Christie discussed switching up the starters, so if Monk plays, that could mean he bumps into the opening group. His absence should lead to more minutes for Keon Ellis, Russell Westbrook and Nique Clifford.

LaVine will sit out Wednesday’s game with a right thigh contusion, which may have been suffered during Tuesday’s loss to the Nuggets. His absence opens up a spot in the Kings’ starting lineup, with Russell Westbrook and Nique Clifford being potential replacements. From a fantasy standpoint, Westbrook has been superior this season, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

LaVine missed Wednesday’s game against Golden State, which opened the door for Nique Clifford to start. The rookie logged 33 minutes but will be pushed to the bench with LaVine back in the lineup.

Despite coming off the bench, Monk’s role expanded with Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis sidelined. Sure enough, he came through with his second 20-point game of the season in his first action since missing two games for personal reasons. If LaVine remains out for additional games, Monk will be worth taking a flier on. Nique Clifford started Wednesday’s victory, finishing with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and three three-pointers in 33 minutes.