Dennis Schroder Suspended 3 Games After Luka Doncic Confrontation

Merlin sees Dennis Schröder hit with a three-game suspension after the NBA said he "sought out the player" and "initiated the confrontation" with Luka Dončić in a Crypto.com Arena hallway about 40 minutes after the Dec. 28 loss. The ban costs him roughly $291,807 and will bench him for three home games, including the upcoming rematch with the Lakers, while Sacramento sits 8-30. Merlin notes Schröder is averaging 13 points and 5.7 assists as a key bench spark in the first year of a sign-and-trade deal. Losing his play and physical edge tightens rotations, tests a fragile locker room and forces the coach to reshuffle minutes. When Schröder returns, expect him to be more measured and for the team to feel the short-term sting.