Nique Clifford News, Rumors, Updates - Sacramento Kings

Closes out season strongly Clifford totaled 24 points (10-13 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, five assists and one block in 39 minutes during Sunday's 122-110 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Impact Clifford was one of the young players who benefited from steady playing time in a struggling Kings team, and his numbers evolved as the season went on. The former Colorado State standout started in 28 of his 75 appearances and posted decent numbers, averaging 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest while shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. However, his growth after the All-Star break was noticeable, as he averaged 13.2 points, 5.2 boards, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals in 23 games since the break while shooting 35.9 percent from three.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Trail Blazers beat the Kings 122-110 to clinch the No. 8 seed and a play-in spot

Deni Avdija had 25 points and 10 assists, Jrue Holiday scored 23 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Sacramento Kings 122-110 to clinch the No. 8 seed and a spot in the...

APRIL 13 • Associated Press

Kings will bring back coach Doug Christie for a second full season, AP source says

Doug Christie will return for a second full season as coach of the Sacramento Kings despite the team having one of the worst seasons in franchise history

APRIL 12 • Associated Press

Pops for 20 against Golden State Clifford ended with 20 points (5-14 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 8-9 FT), six rebounds and six assists across 38 minutes during Friday's 124-118 win over the Warriors.

Impact The rookie wing is having a productive final stretch of the season. Clifford has started six straight games, averaging 16.5 points, 5.2 boards, 4.0 assists, 1.8 threes and 0.8 steals as the injury-ravaged Kings play out the string.

APRIL 11 • ROTOWIRE

Podziemski, Warriors to visit Raynaud, Kings

The Kings will take on conference foe Golden State

APRIL 10 • Associated Press

Kawhi Leonard scores 26 points to lead the Clippers to a 138-109 win over the Kings

Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and the Los Angeles Clippers snapped a two-game skid by beating the Sacramento Kings 138-109 to improve their playoff positioning

APRIL 6 • Associated Press

Pours in 23 points Clifford posted 23 points (9-16 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, six assists and one steal over 39 minutes during Friday's 117-113 victory over the Pelicans.

Impact Clifford started for a third consecutive game and bounced back from a tepid nine-point effort against the Raptors. Clifford's increased involvement could be a preview of next season, as the Kings are likely to unload veteran talent to pay a high first-round pick.

APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE

Raynaud scores 28 points to help the Kings beat the Pelicans

Rookie Maxime Raynaud scored 28 points and the Sacramento Kings overcame a 17-point, first-half deficit to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 117-113 on Friday night

APRIL 4 • Associated Press

Nets rout Kings 116-99 to end 10-game losing streak

Ochai Agbaji scored 18 points in 25 minutes off the bench and the Brooklyn Nets snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 116-99 win over the Sacramento Kings

MARCH 30 • Associated Press

Back in starting lineup Clifford will start Sunday's game against the Nets, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Impact Clifford returned from a two-game absence Saturday and struggled, making just one of 11 shots from the floor. Clifford will return to a starting role for the second half of the team's back-to-back set. Over his last five starts, he holds averages of 12.2 points, 5.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 33.2 minutes per contest.

MARCH 29 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles in return Clifford finished Saturday's 123-113 loss to the Hawks with three points (1-11 FG, 1-6 3Pt), five assists, four rebounds and one block over 23 minutes.

Impact Clifford was given the green light to return from a two-game absence due to a left mid-foot sprain. He came off the bench in his return but struggled from the field, missing all but one of his 11 attempts from the field. The rookie first-rounder has scored in single digits in back-to-back outings, but he showed promise during a 10-game stretch from Feb. 26 to March 17, during which he averaged 13.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 threes and 1.5 steals over 34.9 minutes per game. Clifford should see plenty of playing time down the stretch since the Kings are eliminated from postseason play.

MARCH 29 • ROTOWIRE

Not starting in return Clifford won't start Saturday's game against the Hawks, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Impact The rookie first-rounder is available to return from a two-game absence due to a left mid-foot sprain, though Malik Monk will remain in the starting five. Over 46 appearances off the bench this season, Clifford has averaged 6.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per contest.

MARCH 28 • ROTOWIRE

Available versus Atlanta Clifford (foot) is available to play in Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Impact Clifford was anticipated to miss a week. However, the left mid-foot sprain caused him to miss only two games. The 2025 No. 24 overall pick will presumably reclaim his spot in the starting lineup. With Killian Hayes (finger) also available, Malik Monk, Daeqwon Plowden and Devin Carter might see less work.

MARCH 28 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to face Atlanta Clifford (foot) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

Impact It was reported Monday that Clifford was expected to miss at least one week due to a left mid-foot sprain, though there's a chance he will return Saturday. If the rookie first-rounder is cleared to play, there would be fewer minutes available for guys like Daeqwon Plowden, Devin Carter and Malik Monk.

MARCH 27 • ROTOWIRE

To miss at least one week Clifford has been diagnosed with a left mid-foot sprain and will be re-evaluated in one week, Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 Sacramento reports.

Impact Clifford sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win over the Nets, and he'll be sidelined until early April at the earliest. With the Kings holding a record of 19-53, it wouldn't be surprising if the club exercised caution with the rookie first-rounder going forward. Devin Carter, Daeqwon Plowden (foot) and Malik Monk are candidates to see expanded roles for as long as Clifford is sidelined.

MARCH 24 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Tuesday Clifford (foot) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Hornets.

Impact Clifford departed Sunday's contest early with what has been labeled left foot soreness and will remain out for Tuesday's game. The rookie has started each of his past 11 appearances and has been logging heavy minutes, so look for other guards such as Malik Monk, Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden (foot) to see increased action. Clifford's next chance to play will come Thursday against the Magic.

MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE

Won't return Sunday Clifford (ankle) won't return to Sunday's game versus the Nets.

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

MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE

Exits to locker room Clifford exited to the locker room after sustaining an apparent left ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Nets, Frankie Cartoscelli of KHTK Sactown Sport...

Impact Clifford seemingly turned his left ankle before grabbing at it and limping to the locker room. If he's unable to return for the already shorthanded Kings, Malik Monk and Doug McDermott will likely help pick up the slack the rest of the way.

MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go Sunday Clifford (hamstring) is available for Sunday's game against the Nets.

Impact Clifford will return from a one-game absence due to left hamstring soreness. In his 10 appearances leading up to the absence, Clifford averaged 13.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.5 steals across 34.9 minutes.

MARCH 22 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out with hamstring soreness Clifford is out for Thursday's game against the 76ers due to left hamstring soreness.

Impact Clifford is sitting out for the first time since October. The rookie swingman can be viewed as day-to-day prior to Sunday's tilt versus the Nets. Malik Monk is a candidate to join the starting lineup Thursday, and Doug McDermott should stick around in the rotation as well.

MARCH 19 • ROTOWIRE

Nique Clifford is finding the one shot the Kings desperately need him to make The Sacramento Kings want Nique Clifford to be a 3&D legend, and he's well on his way there.

MARCH 19 • AROYALPAIN.COM

Questionable for Thursday Clifford is questionable to play Thursday against the 76ers due to soreness in his left hamstring.

Impact We'll have a better idea on Clifford's status based on his activity level at shootaround, but if he is forced to the sidelines, there would be more minutes available for Daeqwon Plowden and Doug McDermott. Check back for official word on Clifford's status closer to Thursday's tipoff.

MARCH 19 • ROTOWIRE

Posts decent line in blowout loss Clifford finished with 15 points (6-13 FG, 3-4 3Pt), eight rebounds and seven assists across 37 minutes during Tuesday's 132-104 loss to the Spurs.

Impact Clifford logged the second-highest minute total in the squad during a lackluster performance from most of the team. Clifford and Maxime Raynaud were the primary offensive catalysts during the blowout, and both players seem poised to be part of a youthful core that will likely remain on the roster while the team executes a complete overhaul. The 2025 first-round pick didn't do enough to make waves in the ROY race, but the Colorado State product has earned 20 starts this season and will likely continue that trend as the season winds down.

MARCH 18 • ROTOWIRE

DeMar DeRozan scores season-high 41 points as Kings beat Jazz 116-111

DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 41 points and had 11 assists to help the Sacramento Kings hold off the Utah Jazz 116-111

MARCH 16 • Associated Press

Across-the-board effort Clifford provided 18 points (7-16 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds, eight assists, one block and two steals in 41 minutes during Wednesday's 117-109 loss to Charlotte.

Impact Clifford continues to make the most of a good thing, logging at least 31 minutes for the sixth time in the past seven games. Although his percentages have been somewhat of an issue, his ability to chip in across multiple categories has him positioned as a must-roster player. During that seven-game period, Clifford has averaged 13.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 three-pointers, good enough for borderline top 90 value.

MARCH 12 • ROTOWIRE

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Trail Blazers beat the Kings 122-110 to clinch the No. 8 seed and a play-in spot

Kings will bring back coach Doug Christie for a second full season, AP source says

Podziemski, Warriors to visit Raynaud, Kings

Kawhi Leonard scores 26 points to lead the Clippers to a 138-109 win over the Kings

Raynaud scores 28 points to help the Kings beat the Pelicans

Nets rout Kings 116-99 to end 10-game losing streak

DeMar DeRozan scores season-high 41 points as Kings beat Jazz 116-111