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.

The Sacramento Kings are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, marking their first game since trading De'Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine and three first-round picks. LaVine's absence offers an opportunity for players like Keegan Murray, who previously excelled when Fox was sidelined. The Kings are adjusting their strategy with a full slate of games on Monday, while the Spurs will also miss Fox and monitor Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama's conditions for their matchup.

DFS expert Mike McClure has made notable picks for Monday's games, highlighting Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets as a strong player to roster. The reigning MVP has been dominant, averaging a triple-double this season, and will face a struggling Pelicans defense. Including Jokic in lineups is recommended due to his high scoring and rebounding potential. Alvarado from the Pelicans is another value play, with increased minutes and production following recent injuries.

The Houston Rockets narrowly lost to the Sacramento Kings with a score of 132-127, despite a commendable performance from Jalen Green, who led the Rockets with 28 points. The game was tightly contested, particularly in the first quarter, where both teams exchanged leads until the Kings began to pull away, aided by Keon Ellis' timely shooting.

In the second quarter, Sacramento established a seven-point lead by halftime, with Domantas Sabonis proving to be instrumental in their offensive strategy. The Rockets struggled with their shooting percentage, hitting only 46.7% from the field compared to Sacramento's impressive 54.2%.

The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Houston initiated a comeback, led by Tari Eason's energetic play. The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading baskets and leads. However, Sacramento ultimately secured the win, thanks in part to clutch free throws from Malik Monk down the stretch.