23Breakdown
Performance
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March 23, 2026
Won't play Tuesday
Clifford (foot) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Hornets.
Analysis
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, 2026
Won't return Sunday
Clifford (ankle) won't return to Sunday's game versus the Nets. He'll finish with seven points (2-4 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists and one steal across 27 minutes.
Analysis
With Clifford and Killian Hayes (toe) exiting Sunday's contest early, the Kings will have only eight available players to finish the game. Expect more minutes for Malik Monk, Doug McDermott and Devin Carter while Clifford is out.
March 23, 2026
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 Sports 1140 reports.
Analysis
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 22, 2026
Good to go Sunday
Clifford (hamstring) is available for Sunday's game against the Nets.
Analysis
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 19, 2026
Ruled out with hamstring soreness
Clifford is out for Thursday's game against the 76ers due to left hamstring soreness.
Analysis
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, 2026
Questionable for Thursday
Clifford is questionable to play Thursday against the 76ers due to soreness in his left hamstring.
Analysis
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 18, 2026
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.
Analysis
Clifford logged the second-most minutes on the team during a lackluster performance from most of the squad. 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 when 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.