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Malik Monk recorded 21 points (6-of-12 FGs, 7-of-8 FTs), four rebounds, two assists and two three-pointers in Wednesday’s win over the Warriors.
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.
DeMar DeRozan recorded 25 points (8-of-20 FGs, 9-of-9 FTs), two rebounds, two assists and one steal in Wednesday’s win over the Warriors.
DeRozan has scored 25 points or more on three occasions this season, including Wednesday’s win over the Warriors. The absences of Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis put a little more on Deebo’s plate, enabling him to attempt at least 20 shots in a game for the second time this season. DeRozan did not provide much value outside of points and free-throw percentage, but he remains a top-100 player in nine-cat formats.
Russell Westbrook accounted for 23 points (9-of-13 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), 16 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and three three-pointers in Wednesday’s win over the Warriors.
Westbrook recorded his first triple-double as a King, helping lead the team to a win despite not having Zach LaVine or Domantas Sabonis. Rostered in 34 percent of Yahoo! leagues, he’s providing top-75 value in nine-cat formats. Westbrook has largely kept the turnovers in check, which has been great for the Kings and those who have him rostered. Dennis Schröder’s fantasy value hasn’t suffered either, as he is also providing seventh-round value. He finished Wednesday’s win with 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one block and three three-pointers.
Jonathan Kuminga amassed 24 points (8-of-19 FGs, 6-of-8 FTs), nine rebounds, three assists and two three-pointers in Wednesday’s loss to the Kings.
With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler both sidelined, Kuminga moved up in the offensive pecking order on Wednesday. While he didn’t record any defensive stats, the offensive stats were certainly valuable to those who have him rostered. Kuminga is still ranked outside the top-100 in nine-cat formats, but he’s been more consistent than he was a season ago.
Will Richard accumulated 30 points (10-of-15 FGs, 5-of-7 FTs), seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and five three-pointers in Wednesday’s loss to the Kings.
Making his first career start, Richard made the most of his opportunity. One night removed from picking up a DNP-CD in a win over the Suns, the second-round pick dropped a highly efficient 30 points while providing value in rebounds, assists and three-pointers. Richard should not be rostered in fantasy leagues, especially if Stephen Curry is back for Friday’s game against the Nuggets. However, his name should be filed away for the next time the Warriors decide to hold out a few of their vets.
Al Horford (rest) shot 0-of-8 from the field in Wednesday’s loss to the Kings, going scoreless with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
While he did provide decent value in the rebound and steals categories, Horford had a brutal night shooting the basketball. The veteran center missed all seven of his three-point attempts and was 0-of-8 overall. Horford did play 27 minutes, the first time he’s surpassed 20 this season. It’s clear that Horford and the Warriors are playing the “long game” to ensure he’s healthy for the stretch run. However, this approach doesn’t do fantasy managers any favors.