Malachi Richardson Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections
Willie Cauley-Stein (knee, foot) probable Monday; Malachi Richardson (ankle) remains out
Cauley-Stein has been added to the Sacramento Kings' injury report and is listed as probable for tonight's game against the Chicago Bulls due to a right knee bone bruise and sprained left foot despite averaging 32.5 minutes per game since returning from a two-game injury absence. Meanwhile, Malachi Richardson will remain sidelined for the fifth consecutive game with a sprained left ankle but is a fringe rotation player, at best, in head coach Dave Joerger's wing rotation. Cauley-Stein has been listed as probable each of the last two games and was cleared to play each time, so this news should not affect the expectation of his availability in any way.
Malachi Richardson (partially torn right hamstring) out 4-6 weeks
Richardson injured his hamstring with one minute left until All-Star break in garbage time against the Warriors last night. He was having his best game as a pro and was on the floor for 27 minutes. Richardson will join Omri Casspi, Garrett Temple, and Rudy Gay on the inactive list. Casspi is hopeful to be back after the All-Star break but the team has not provided an official update today. DeMarcus Cousins will continue to be their top player and hopefully Ty Lawson can come back from his injury after the break.
A few situations to monitor after the All Star Break
As we head into the All Star Break here are a few situations that came across the news wire today that are worth keeping an eye on when play resumes (we'll of course update you with any critical updates).
Avery Bradley - the Celtics guard is looking to return on February 24th against Toronto, the teams first game back after the All Star break. It'll be a huge boost for Boston on both ends of the court.
Thabo Sefolosha - his name has popped up in recent trade rumors and there is a chance Atlanta will move him before the trade deadline, especially with him becoming a free agent this offseason.
Lance Stephenson - the Timberwolves guard is out for at least two weeks with a severe ankle sprain and given that he's just on a 10 day contract there is a chance he could be without a team once he heals up.
Malachi Richardson - the Kings guard will undergo a MRI on a hamstring injury he suffered last night.
Arron Afflalo (illness) downgraded to questionable for tonight's game vs PHX
Arron Afflalo has been downgraded to questionable due to a stomach virus. We've seen the stomach virus take over the NBA and a mid-downgrade is never good. While he is listed as questionable, it is likely that Afflalo is unable to play tonight. Malachi Richardson played 19 minutes against the Rockets on Tuesday and could possibly start with Garrett Temple also out of the lineup. Richardson is an elite punt option if Afflalo is indeed ruled out. Ben McLemore also played 12 minutes against the Rockets but rarely producing when relied upon. The Kings have also paired Ty Lawson and Darren Collison in the backcourt, so both players are viable option. Collison likely is the better play due to the fact that Lawson is dealing with a hand injury.
Kings recall Malachi Richardson and Skal Labissiere from D-league team to active roster
Sacramento has brought up two players, Richardson and Labissiere, from their D-league team. Neither do not figure to get heavy run in the rotation and are not viable DFS options.