NBA Player News

Vukcevic won't return to Sunday's game against the Knicks due to lower-back tightness, and he'll finish with 13 points (5-9 FG, 3-6 3Pt), one rebound and one assist across 15 minutes.

With Alex Sarr (toe) sidelined in the second leg of this back-to-back set, Vukcevic got the starting nod Sunday but logged just over 15 minutes before exiting the contest. His next opportunity to play will come Wednesday in Utah.

Monk amassed 32 points (8-17 FG, 7-13 3Pt, 9-9 FT), six assists, two rebounds and one block across 30 minutes in Sunday's 126-122 win over the Nets.

With the Kings shorthanded Sunday, Monk saw an expanded role and made the most of the opportunity, tying his season high in triples en route to a season-best 32 points. The veteran guard also led the second unit in assists and has dished out at least five dimes in three of his last four outings. Killian Hayes (toe) and Nique Clifford (ankle) both exited Sunday's win early, so Monk would be in line for increased minutes in Charlotte on Tuesday if Hayes, Clifford or Russell Westbrook (foot) is sidelined.

O'Neale (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raptors.

O'Neale will miss a third straight game due to left knee soreness, and his next opportunity to return will come Tuesday against Denver. Jordan Goodwin will likely remain in the starting five in O'Neale's absence, while Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn are candidates for increased playing time.

Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Bucks, NBA writer Justin Russo reports.

Leonard has been a regular on the injury report of late due to a left ankle sprain, and he's in jeopardy of missing his third game this month. If the star forward is ruled out, Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders would be candidates for expanded roles.

Mathurin (toe) will remain on the inactive list for Monday's meeting with Milwaukee, NBA writer Justin Russo reports.

This will be Mathurin's fourth consecutive game on the sidelines, and it's not a great sign that he continues to get ruled out a day in advance of tipoff. For now, he should be considered highly questionable for Wednesday's game versus the Raptors.

Collins is probable for Monday's matchup with Milwaukee due to a left ankle sprain, NBA writer Justin Russo reports.

Collins is dealing with a minor ankle sprain, but it looks like he plans to play through it Monday. Check back for official confirmation on his status closer to tipoff.

Clifford (ankle) won't return to Sunday's game versus the Nets. He'll finish with seven points (2-4 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists and one steal across 27 minutes.

With Clifford and Killian Hayes (toe) exiting Sunday's contest early, the Kings will have only eight available players to finish the game. Expect more minutes for Malik Monk, Doug McDermott and Devin Carter while Clifford is out.

Johnson notched 19 points (7-10 FG, 5-7 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and two steals in 28 minutes during Sunday's 128-112 victory over the Trail Blazers.

Johnson couldn't miss to begin Sunday's game, drilling his first five buckets after being limited to just six points on 2-of-7 shooting his last time out. This was Johnson's second straight game with multiple steals, and as a bonus for nine-cat managers, he finished the match without a single turnover.

Murray totaled 22 points (9-18 FG, 4-9 3Pt), two rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 31 minutes during Sunday's 128-112 victory over Portland.

Murray was red hot to begin Sunday's game, as he dropped 18 points on 11 shots by halftime. However, the Trail Blazers did an excellent job of taking him out of the offense over the second half. Still, Murray was able to cross the 20-point plateau for a second straight game while converting 50 percent of his shot attempts, and he'll look to keep the good times rolling Tuesday in Phoenix.

Watson (hamstring) accumulated 14 points (6-13 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds and three assists over 20 minutes during Sunday's 128-112 victory over the Trail Blazers.

Watson brought some gritty energy to the second unit, and he was moving around great in his first game back following a seven-week absence. That said, the Nuggets open Week 22 with a Tuesday-Wednesday back-to-back set, so managers will need to be on alert for a potential maintenance day.