Sacramento's Nique Clifford primed for breakout as NBA season winds down

Rookie guard could see big minutes with Kings focused on lottery

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Sacramento Kings rookie guard Nique Clifford has been surging as of late, averaging 20.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks and 3.0 3-pointers made over his last three games. With the Kings out of playoff contention, Clifford could be in line for increased playing time down the final stretch of the season as the team focuses on developing young talent and securing a high draft pick.

Why it matters

Clifford's recent production and the Kings' incentive to give their rookies extended playing time make him an intriguing fantasy basketball waiver wire target. As the NBA season enters its 'silly season' with teams resting veterans and prioritizing player development, Clifford could emerge as a valuable fantasy contributor.

The details

Over his last three games, Clifford has posted impressive stat lines, including a 30-point, 4-rebound, 4-assist, 2-steal, 2-block performance with five 3-pointers made in a loss to the Cavaliers. With Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis traded away, Sacramento's backcourt is thin, and the team has no incentive to play veterans like Zach LaVine or Russell Westbrook heavy minutes as they look toward the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery.

  • Clifford has averaged 20.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks and 3.0 3-pointers made over his last three games.

The players

Nique Clifford

A rookie guard for the Sacramento Kings who has been surging as of late, averaging impressive stats across multiple categories.

Dennis Schroder

A veteran guard who was recently traded away by the Sacramento Kings, opening up more playing time for younger players like Clifford.

Keon Ellis

A young guard who was also traded away by the Sacramento Kings, further thinning out their backcourt and creating more opportunity for Clifford.

Zach LaVine

A veteran guard who the Sacramento Kings may choose to rest or limit minutes for as they focus on player development and securing a high draft pick.

Russell Westbrook

A veteran guard who the Sacramento Kings may choose to rest or limit minutes for as they focus on player development and securing a high draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“Clifford looks poised to see increased run after the All-Star break, and he has the skills to handsomely reward fantasy managers who add him off the waiver wire.”

— Zak Hanshew, Fantasy Basketball Analyst (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

With the NBA season entering its 'silly season', Clifford could see a significant increase in playing time and production for the Sacramento Kings as they focus on developing young talent and securing a high draft pick.

The takeaway

Nique Clifford's recent surge in production, combined with the Sacramento Kings' incentive to give their rookies extended playing time, make him an intriguing fantasy basketball waiver wire target as the NBA season winds down. Clifford has the potential to be a valuable contributor across multiple categories and could emerge as a breakout player during the league's 'silly season'.