Kings’ De’Aaron Fox Out vs. Warriors; Keon Ellis Emerges as DFS Value

The Sacramento Kings will face the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night without star point guard De'Aaron Fox, who has been ruled out due to a right glute contusion. Fox sustained the injury during a hard fall in Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, leaving the team to adjust its lineup for the crucial matchup.

Fox, who has been a cornerstone for the Kings this season, is averaging career-high numbers with 26.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His absence creates an opportunity for backup players to step up, particularly Keon Ellis, who has emerged as a standout value play in daily fantasy sports (DFS) lineups.

Ellis, priced at $3,600 in DFS platforms, has started the last two games for the Kings and delivered solid performances. Against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 1, he recorded nine points, four steals, and 26.75 fantasy points in 38 minutes. He followed that with 13 points, three steals, three assists, and four rebounds against the Grizzlies on Thursday, earning 30.5 fantasy points.

With Fox sidelined, Ellis’s role is expected to expand, making him a cost-effective option for DFS players. Interim head coach Doug Christie expressed concern about Fox’s injury but remained optimistic about the team’s ability to adapt.