Sacramento Kings DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas finished Wednesday's heavy 124-92 loss to the Thunder in Game 2 as the team's top scorer, netting 19 points in 23 minutes on 8-for-14 shooting. The Lithuanian big man had an incredible start to the contest, scoring all of New Orleans' first 11 points. A Herbert Jones triple broke Valanciunas' scoring run at the 7:58 mark in the first quarter. After gobbling up 20 rebounds in Game 1, Valanciunas settled for seven boards this time, adding two assists to his tally. The Pelicans center has been productive in the series, but his defensive shortcoming resulted in Chet Holmgren getting 20 first-half points in Game 2. The veteran definitely has to improve at that end to earn consistent playing time.

Impending free-agent guard Malik Monk (knee) is expected to test free agency. While the Sixth Man of the Year favorite indicated his love for Sacramento, he could sign elsewhere for more money. Without question, Monk will command plenty of attention in the open market, especially from teams with cash to spend. The 26-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 15.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 72 games during the 2023-24 campaign. Unfortunately, he suffered a sprained MCL toward the end of the year and wasn't available for either of Sacramento's Play-In contests. Monk should be fully healthy by the start of the new season, although his fantasy outlook won't be known until he signs his next contract.

Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan scored a team-high 22 points in Friday's Play-In loss to the Miami Heat. Despite the veteran's solid showing, the Bulls lost to a Miami team that didn't have Jimmy Butler (knee) or Terry Rozier (neck). With another season in the books, DeRozan will hit the open market this summer. But he's still productive as ever, ending the 2023-24 campaign with averages of 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. The 34-year-old also played more minutes this season than anyone in the National Basketball Association. However, DeRozan has made it known he wants to win, so he may have played his final game with the Bulls.

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (hip) returned to Friday's Play-In matchup with the Pelicans. He exited in the second quarter. While details were scarce initially, the team reported Murray was battling hip soreness. The 23-year-old appears to be in line to finish the contest. However, it's something for DFS managers to continue monitoring, especially if the Kings advance.

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (undisclosed) left Friday's Play-In matchup with the Pelicans. There isn't much information regarding the nature of the injury. But Kings' radio reporter Sean Cunningham reported that Murray favored his hip while walking toward the locker room. There should be more information soon. In the meantime, Sasha Vezenkov should be in line for more minutes.