Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Sean Cunningham. Monk did not appear during the preseason and has been managing left ankle soreness throughout training camp. He averaged 12.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers across 62 games last season. With Ben Simmons (Achilles) also out for the season, Sacramento's backcourt depth is already being tested. Nique Clifford and Emanuel Sharp should pick up additional minutes, with Clifford carrying the stronger fantasy outlook after averaging 8.6 points and 3.8 rebounds as a rookie.

Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach will start Wednesday's season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers, according to The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin. The 20-year-old gets the opening-night nod over Oso Ighodaro after the two competed throughout camp with Mark Williams (shoulder) sidelined following surgery. Maluach averaged 3.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 8.9 minutes across 46 games as a rookie but closed the preseason with seven points and 12 boards in 24 minutes against Utah. If he keeps the job, his rebounding and shot-blocking give him a path to useful fantasy production.

Portland Trail Blazers forward/center Micah Potter (illness) is available for Wednesday's season opener against the Phoenix Suns. He missed the preseason finale while sick. The 28-year-old sits behind Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Yang Hansen on the center depth chart, so minutes will be hard to find. Potter's best path is his shooting. He hit 42.3 percent of his 3.6 three-point attempts per game with Indiana last season, averaging 9.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 19.3 minutes. He saw only 10.8 minutes per game this preseason, so fantasy managers can leave him on waivers until injuries thin out Portland's frontcourt.

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (ankle) says he will play and start in Wednesday's season opener against the Phoenix Suns, according to The Athletic's Jason Quick. The 25-year-old had been questionable with right ankle soreness after a strong preseason. Avdija averaged career highs of 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists last season despite shooting 31.8 percent from three. He also dropped 41 points and 12 assists against Phoenix in April's Play-In win. His availability removes a potential spot start for Sidy Cissoko, though sharing creation duties with Ja Morant and Damian Lillard could lower Avdija's usage from last season.