The Sacramento Kings aim to extend their winning streak to five games against the Denver Nuggets, despite facing significant injury challenges. Malik Monk and Domantas Sabonis are out for the Kings, while the Nuggets may be without their star Nikola Jokic. Keon Ellis is expected to step up, taking on a tough matchup against Jamal Murray, who has been in fantastic form, averaging over 27 points in his last nine games. Sacramento's performance has improved with Ellis in the starting lineup, boasting an 8-3 record when he starts. This game will test the Kings' defensive capabilities against a potent Nuggets offense led by Murray, who is crucial to their championship aspirations.

As the fantasy trade deadline approaches and playoffs loom, Week 18 brings critical injury updates for managers trying to strategize for success. Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings is expected to miss at least four games due to a hamstring strain, making waiver wire options like Jonas Valanciunas vital. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder is uncertain for upcoming games due to an ankle injury, impacting Isaiah Hartenstein and others. Norman Powell's hamstring soreness complicates the Clippers' lineup, with Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kris Dunn stepping up in his absence.

Additionally, Nikola Vucevic's calf issue leaves a gap for Zach Collins to shine, while Fred VanVleet suffered a setback after returning from injury. Other players like Jordan Poole, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Ja Morant are also facing injury dilemmas that may open opportunities for their bench players. With trades and injuries altering team dynamics, managers need to stay vigilant to adjust their rosters effectively.

Domantas Sabonis, the stalwart of the Sacramento Kings, will miss at least a week due to a grade 1 left hamstring strain he sustained during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets. Sabonis has been pivotal for the Kings, averaging impressive stats of 19.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. His absence places added pressure on the Kings, who are currently fighting for a play-in spot in the competitive Western Conference.

In response to this setback, the Kings have signed center Skal Labissier to a 10-day contract to bolster their frontcourt depth. The team recently stated that Sabonis will undergo further evaluations, underscoring the seriousness of his injury. The Kings' performance metrics illustrate Sabonis's importance; the team's net rating drops significantly when he is off the court, further highlighting the challenge ahead for Sacramento as they strive to maintain playoff contention without their star player.

Week 20 presents an exciting opportunity for fantasy basketball players, with all teams slated for at least three games, many with four. The influx of late-season injuries and surprises makes for intriguing decisions. Players under 50% rostered in Yahoo leagues are highlighted as potential starts, with Malik Beasley of the Pistons and Donte DiVincenzo of the Timberwolves standing out. Both have shown recent form and could be crucial to fantasy lineups. On the other hand, Fred VanVleet of the Rockets is advised to sit, given his recent struggles and health concerns.

Forwards like Toumani Camara of the Trail Blazers and Quentin Grimes of the 76ers also enter the spotlight, with their rising roles due to teammates' absences. Camara is riding a career-high performance wave, while Grimes has showcased his scoring ability, making him a valuable asset. However, Andrew Wiggins' ongoing ankle issues raise a red flag for fantasy managers considering him.

In the center position, Santi Aldama of the Grizzlies and Kelly Olynyk of the Pelicans emerge as players to start, both having demonstrated solid contributions in recent games.

With Domantas Sabonis sidelined for at least a week, the Sacramento Kings have signed Skal Labissiere to a 10-day contract, returning him to the team that drafted him 28th overall in 2016. Labissiere, who last played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season, has spent the last two years with the Stockton Kings, where he showcased strong performance metrics, averaging 16 points and 7.6 rebounds in 20 games this season.

While Jonas Valančiūnas takes over as the starter, and Trey Lyles is expected to get backup minutes, Labissiere offers an alternative for coach Doug Christie in case of foul trouble or injuries. Standing 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, Labissiere could potentially provide a more physical presence compared to Lyles, aiding the Kings in their defensive efforts.