Mar 19, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) between plays against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Kings Make Surprising Starting Lineup Change vs Trail Blazers

Originally posted on Sacramento Kings on SI
By Eric Sperlazza | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 10:33 PM ET

Doug Christie Wants More from Kings after 2-Game Skid

The Sacramento Kings starting lineup has been a point of contention for fans, media, and even the team. Coach Doug Christie has been asked multiple times about bringing Keon Ellis into the starting lineup and moving Malik Monk back to his 6th man role.

I asked Doug Christie about if he's considering going back to starting Keon Ellis over Malik Monk. pic.twitter.com/6iTLmQMFkb
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) March 14, 2025

Even though Ellis has started due to injury, with Malik Monk available tonight the expectation was that he would slot back into his starting role. That seemed to be the plan with Malik announced as a starter, but things took a turn when Keon Ellis entered instead.

Malik Monk was announced as a starter, even to the crowd, but Keon Ellis is coming in.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) March 28, 2025

It’s unclear whether this was a last minute change or a mistake in lineup announcements, but either way, Keon Ellis gets the start tonight.

With Ellis inserted into the starting five for Monk, the Kings net rating jumps from -9.3 to -1.5. While that may not seem important as they’re still a negative lineup, an almost 8-point swing is huge in the NBA.

Tonight’s game against Portland is an absolute must win for Sacramento and setting the tone defensively with Ellis in the starting lineup may be a great place to start.

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This article first appeared on Sacramento Kings on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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