Zach

LaVine

The five three-pointers were the most LaVine has made in a game since December 6, when he knocked down a season-high eight against the Heat. Wednesday’s game also ended a run of three consecutive games in which he failed to score at least 20 points. LaVine didn’t record any defensive stats, and that’s been an issue for him throughout the season. Over the past two weeks, he has only been an eighth-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats.

For the second consecutive night, LaVine knocked down three three-pointers in a home victory. He’s scored between 18 and 20 points in three of the Kings’ last four games. However, while Sacramento’s improved offensive balance has resulted in the team winning consecutive games for the first time since late November, LaVine’s fantasy value has taken a hit. He doesn’t offer much value outside of points and three-pointers, so he needs the high shot volume to make good on his Yahoo! ADP (62).

The Kings had something on Sunday that has been difficult for them to achieve on most nights: offensive balance. Four of the five starters attempted between 10 and 13 shots, as did reserves Malik Monk and Dylan Cardwell. LaVine may not have offered much value beyond points, three-pointers and percentages, but the balance helped Sacramento pick up one of its best wins of the season. As the trade deadline draws closer, LaVine will be one of the players to watch as the Kings need to get younger for the future.

LaVine’s 6-of-8 night from inside the arc was countered by a 1-of-7 outside of it. Friday’s game was his second in the starting lineup since returning from a sprained ankle. With the Kings not showing signs of being able to climb out of the hole that they’ve dug themselves, this is a team to watch in the lead-up to the February trade deadline. LaVine’s name has been mentioned in rumors, and fantasy managers should hope for a change of scenery to ensure that he’s relevant during the playoff weeks.

After playing 36 minutes off the bench in his first game back from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for nine games, LaVine was back in the starting lineup on Tuesday. The Kings did not have Keegan Murray, who will miss three to four weeks with a sprained ankle, so LaVine’s promotion did not come at the expense of Precious Achiuwa (nine points, nine rebounds, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in 22 minutes). LaVine recorded a complete stat line against Dallas, and he has the tools needed to threaten top-50 per-game value. Of course, that depends on how the Kings handle the trade deadline, as they should probably be “sellers.”

The Kings won’t have Keegan Murray, as he is out for at least three to four weeks with a sprained ankle. His absence means that Achiuwa will remain in the starting lineup, with LaVine filling the void left by Murray.

Active after a nine-game absence, LaVine was not restricted in any way on Sunday. He did come off the bench, with Precious Achiuwa (four points, three rebounds and two steals in 15 minutes) remaining in the starting lineup. However, with LaVine playing 36 minutes, he’ll likely start as soon as Tuesday’s game against the Mavericks. With Keegan Murray exiting Sunday’s game with a sprained ankle, there’s a chance that Achiuwa remains in the starting lineup for at least one more game, even if LaVine is promoted.

After a nine-game absence, LaVine has been cleared to return to action Sunday night. His return will likely bump Precious Achiuwa to the bench, with Dennis Schröder also taking a hit to his fantasy value, despite his role not changing.

LaVine hasn’t played since Dec. 14, and he won’t make his return against Phoenix. Precious Achiuwa should continue to start, though he hasn’t been consistently productive for fantasy managers. Dennis Schroder has been playing well off the bench with LaVine sidelined and is the better fantasy option.

Precious Achiuwa has been starting in place of LaVine, but he hasn’t seen the minutes that starters typically do. Dennis Schroder and Nique Clifford have seen extra minutes off the bench, and Schroder has been particularly productive, which should continue for at least one more week.