Cardwell closed with seven points (3-4 FG, 1-3 FT), seven rebounds and three steals in 24 minutes during Sunday's 125-101 loss to the Lakers.

EDGE Analysis

With Domantas Sabonis (knee) on the shelf indefinitely, Cardwell has emerged as a quality low-end pickup in fantasy hoops. Over his last six games, he's averaging 5.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.2 blocks in 21.5 minutes per contest.

Cardwell logged four points (1-3 FG, 2-6 FT), eight rebounds, five blocks and one steal over 21 minutes during the Kings' 98-93 loss to the Trail Blazers on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The undrafted rookie played a season-high 21 minutes during Saturday's loss, notably ahead of Precious Achiuwa (10) despite the latter starting. Cardwell has accumulated eight blocks over his last two NBA outings and appears to be solidifying himself as the Kings' backup center behind Maxime Raynaud. That trend could continue into the new year, at least for as long as Domantas Sabonis (knee) is sidelined.

Cardwell won't start in Monday's game against the Nuggets, Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 Sacramento reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cardwell got the starting nod in Saturday's win over Milwaukee, posting two points (1-1 FG) and one rebound in just five minutes. However, he'll come off the bench Monday in favor of Russell Westbrook. Cardwell has played in three of the Kings' six regular-season games, so he isn't guaranteed meaningful minutes against the Nuggets.

Cardwell will start in Saturday's game against the Bucks, Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 Sacramento reports.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie big man will get the starting nod for the first time in his career, pushing Russell Westbrook to the bench. Over two regular-season appearances, Cardwell has averaged 1.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals in 13.5 minutes per game.

Cardwell ended Wednesday's 120-116 loss to the Suns with three points (1-4 FG, 1-2 FT), one rebound, two blocks and one steal over 15 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

With Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) sidelined, Cardwell got the opportunity to make his official NBA debut. Cardwell, who is on a two-way contract, was a solid rim protector at Auburn with 1.4 blocks in 20.3 minutes per contest. Sabonis is expected to be re-evaluated after Friday's game against the Jazz, so Cardwell may get another look at the back end of the rotation.

Cardwell provided 12 points (6-7 FG, 0-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist and a blocked shot over 14 minutes in Wednesday's 130-122 preseason loss to the Raptors.

EDGE Analysis

The Auburn product inked a two-way deal with the Kings, and although the 6-11 rookie will likely toil with the G League this season, he made a strong case for consideration as Domantas Sabonis' backup during Wednesday's loss. That role appears to be Drew Eubanks' to lose, with Dario Saric also waiting in the wings. Cardwell has the potential to be called up if the backups struggle with their support roles.