Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (personal) is cleared to return to action for Sunday's preseason matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Monk is back in the mix after missing one game due to personal reasons. It's unclear whether or not Monk is going to be in the starting five to begin the season. Right now, it seems likely that Keon Ellis is the starting shooting guard with Kevin Huerter and Monk being the primary backup guards. Monk averaged 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists across 26.0 minutes per game in 72 games last season. Monk has enough shooting upside to give him late-round fantasy value.

Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (shoulder) has been ruled out for the upcoming preseason contest against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Huerter continues to work his way back from a season-ending shoulder injury. The good news is that he was cleared for full-contact activity on Friday. However, the Kings are going to continue easing him back into action. It's unclear if Huerter is going to play at all during the preseason. The organization is hopeful he'll be ready for Opening Night. Otherwise, Keon Ellis figures to start at shooting guard, which would give him increased fantasy value. When healthy, Huerter appears to be a better fantasy option than Ellis due to his ability to shoot from distance.

Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (shoulder) was cleared for full-contact work. The 26-year-old had the best season of his career in 2022-23, his first in Sacramento, averaging 15.2 points and shooting 40.2% from deep. However, he averaged only 10.2 points in 2023-24 and sustained a season-ending shoulder injury, resulting in a procedure in April. Huerter still has a chance of overtaking Keon Ellis for the starting job at the two spot. Still, it will be tough for him to be a consistent fantasy producer, regardless of his role, considering the Kings have De'Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis as the primary scoring options. At any rate, Huerter has a few more hurdles to clear, although he should be ready to play soon.

Sacramento Kings shooting guard Malik Monk exited Wednesday's preseason game against Golden State early due to personal reasons. In typical fashion, Monk provided microwave scoring off the bench, notching 13 points in 10 minutes. But he went to the locker room in the second quarter and missed the rest of the contest. League sources have told Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee that Monk isn't expected to be away from the team for an extended period. Monk looks set to spend another campaign as the Kings' sixth man. He found a lot of success in the role last season, averaging 15.4 points and 5.1 assists, and will be a good fantasy option for managers again.

Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Huerter continues to recover from a procedure in April to repair a torn labrum. He has been increasing his involvement in practice, but Huerter has yet to be cleared for 5-on-5 activities. The team hasn't said when Huerter will return, but the hope is that this isn't something that lingers into the regular season. The absence of Huerter should mean more minutes for Keon Ellis and Malik Monk.