Sacramento Kings DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Malik Monk (knee) is unsure if he can recover in time to play in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. He missed his 10th consecutive game on Tuesday against Golden State while nursing an MCL sprain. Monk was initially ruled out for 4-6 weeks, meaning a return to the court in the first round appears unrealistic if Sacramento makes it to the playoffs. With Kevin Huerter (shoulder) also unavailable, Keon Ellis has stepped up big time for the Kings. He produced an outstanding two-way performance against the Warriors on Tuesday and will be expected to keep up the form in Friday's decisive play-in matchup against New Orleans. Davion Mitchell has also started to play a much more important role in the rotation due to the injuries.

Chicago Bulls guard/forward DeMar DeRozan (rest) will get the night off on Friday versus Washington. The Bulls have nothing left to play for and complete a back-to-back set, so it's completely understandable that the team gives DeRozan some time off. Coby White is set to be the only regular starter in the lineup and should get heavy usage in a good matchup against a struggling team. Meanwhile, Chicago's bench mob led by Dalen Terry will get an opportunity to show what they are capable of in larger roles.

Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (rest) has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. Fantasy managers don't need to worry as this looks like a routine rest game for DeRozan. The Bulls have already locked up the 9th seed, so they have no incentive to put DeRozan out there. The expectation is that the Bulls will use a committee approach to fill the void. Dalen Terry, Javonte Green, and Jevon Carter figure to all see more playing time.

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (calf) will be in the lineup on Thursday against New Orleans. He has been upgraded from questionable to available as Murray continues to battle through a calf issue. This will be his 16th straight appearance. Murray, who set a new rookie record for most made threes a season ago, has previously found it tough against the Pelicans, averaging 9.3 points in three prior meetings in 2023-24. New Orleans has limited opponents to a league-low 34.8 percent three-point shooting, which is a major reason why Murray hasn't looked quite like himself in the matchup.

Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (knee) will play on Wednesday against the Bucks. He has been upgraded from questionable to available. Fultz rolled with the starters and logged a season-high 34 minutes against Houston on Tuesday. With Gary Harris (foot) and Franz Wagner (ankle) out of the lineup, Fultz has a good chance to remain in the first unit for Wednesday's matchup. He has averaged 9.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in a starting role this season.