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.

As the NBA trade deadline passes, savvy fantasy basketball managers should look to optimize their rosters through strategic trades. Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers has emerged as a solid buy-low candidate, averaging nearly 20 points per game since Anthony Davis's exit. Meanwhile, Onyeka Okongwu, stepping up for the Atlanta Hawks, is another player to consider, boasting impressive stats. Conversely, Mark Williams of the Charlotte Hornets may be worth selling high given his uncertain future after the failed trade with the Lakers. Other players like Chris Paul and Nikola Vucevic are now in a hold position, maintaining solid numbers despite recent roster changes.

The Sacramento Kings are eager for a win with Zach LaVine as they face the New Orleans Pelicans, who are struggling this season. Historically, the Pelicans have been tough opponents for the Kings, winning multiple matchups last season. This year, however, the Pelicans find themselves in last place in the West, without the same intimidating roster.

CJ McCollum remains a significant threat for the Kings, consistently performing well against them. He already scored 36 points against Sacramento this season, showcasing his ability to dominate games. Meanwhile, Malik Monk's recent form has been underwhelming, making it essential for him to bounce back for the Kings to rejuvenate their playoff hopes.