The New York Knicks snapped their three-game losing streak with a convincing 133-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento. OG Anunoby was a standout player, scoring 24 points while contributing eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. The Knicks hit a season-high 22 three-pointers, with Josh Hart and Miles McBride each sinking four. This win solidifies their position for the postseason, marking a season sweep over the Kings. The Kings struggled without Domantas Sabonis, while Malik Monk led their scoring with 21 points.

In a thrilling matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Malik Monk showcased his exceptional play, contributing to the Sacramento Kings' fourth consecutive victory with a remarkable turnover-free game. Monk finished with 13 points, eight assists, and two steals, proving his worth as a leading guard, especially since stepping up in the absence of De'Aaron Fox, who was traded earlier this month. His performance not only delighted Kings fans but also prompted one dedicated supporter to follow through on a promise to buy a Monk jersey following the game.

This fan, who grew up admiring Monk's hustle and loyalty to the Kings, emphasized his respect for Monk's commitment to the team and the city. Monk's recent performances reflect a growing chemistry within the team as they navigate the challenges of integrating new players into the system.

Doug Christie began his tenure as Sacramento Kings coach with a promising 10-2 record, turning around their previous woes. However, the recent performance has dipped, and after a 132-108 defeat to the Golden State Warriors, the Kings are now struggling at .500. Following this loss, Christie called a crucial meeting with his starters, including Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis, to address their defensive woes. This starting lineup has only seen limited playtime together, contributing to a concerning -3.5 net rating and a poor defensive rating of 124.1, which highlights their challenges on that end.

The team's defensive struggles worsened after trading De'Aaron Fox. The Kings had hoped their offense could compensate, but the current rhythm between Monk and LaVine appears disjointed. Moreover, the offense has become stagnant, losing its effectiveness in generating scoring opportunities. While the Kings are playing faster and have seen a slight improvement in offensive efficiency, their defense has not kept pace, leading to significant setbacks in recent games. Kings management has recognized the need for a coaching change, but the flaws in the roster persist.

As the post-All-Star break play commences, fantasy managers are gearing up for a busy week with several teams playing multiple games. Notably, teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers have three games lined up, while the Sacramento Kings are poised for a slow week with only one game. This discrepancy presents a challenge for those considering starters from the Kings.

Key players to consider starting include Nick Smith Jr. from the Hornets, who is stepping up in LaMelo Ball's absence, and Spurs’ Stephon Castle, fresh off an impressive All-Star Weekend. Both have been performing well leading up to the break. Conversely, Kings' Malik Monk and Keegan Murray should likely ride the bench this week due to their limited playing opportunities. Managers should be strategic with their lineups while maximizing on the teams with more games.

The All-Star break signals a pivotal time for fantasy basketball, with teams gearing up for a strong finish to the season. Week 18 brings exciting matchups, and several players are primed to make an impact, particularly those from the Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks, who each have three games scheduled. Nick Smith Jr. of the Hornets is emerging as a must-start option with LaMelo Ball's injury woes, while Stephon Castle's recent All-Star success boosts his value for the Spurs. Conversely, Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings is a sit candidate due to a limited one-game schedule, making him a tough choice for fantasy lineups.

For those managing forwards, Kyle Kuzma is starting to settle into his role with the Bucks, and Max Strus is proving to be a solid contributor for the Cavaliers. Both players come at affordable roster rates and have favorable matchups on the horizon. Meanwhile, Keegan Murray's declining performance and reduced opportunities make him a candidate for your bench. The upcoming week poses challenging roster decisions for fantasy owners, emphasizing the importance of strategic starts and sits to maximize production.