95-102
FINALNew
Orleans Pelicans
22-48|L10: 6-4
Charlotte
Hornets
36-36|L10: 8-2
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Eastern Conference
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CHA • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #22
about 1 month ago
Acquired from Dallas for Tyus Jones, Branham has yet to join the Hornets. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as it’s unknown how — or if — he’ll fit into the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Murray, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon last January, has yet to appear in a game this season. The ability to participate in Sunday’s practice, even in a limited capacity, is another step in the right direction for the Pelicans guard. Murray still does not have a timeline for return, so it’s difficult to guarantee that he’ll be able to have an impact during the fantasy playoff weeks in most leagues.
Source: Shamit Dua
CHA • Center • #14
about 1 month ago
Diabaté continues to shine as the Hornets’ starting center. During their nine-game win streak, the 6-foot-9 Diabaté has reached double figures in rebounds five times. While he has not been a top-100 fantasy player, the former second-round pick isn’t far off. And with the Hornets playing five games during Week 17, including three after the All-Star break, this would be a good time for some 12-team league managers to hop onto the Diabaté bandwagon.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Ball didn’t shoot the ball well on Saturday, but he offered value in other ways. His nine assists led the Hornets, and he committed just two turnovers. During Charlotte’s nine-game win streak, he’s averaged 2.7 turnovers per game, an improvement on his season average (3.1). Ball will have his work cut out for him on Monday, as the Hornets open a five-game Week 17 at home against the Pistons.
CHA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #0
about 1 month ago
While his shooting struggles did not prevent the Hornets from extending their win streak to eight games, Bridges entered Saturday shooting 38.6 percent from the field over the last four. He got back on track in Atlanta, making his shots at a high clip while also providing solid value in the rebound and assist categories. Bridges and the Hornets will look to extend their win streak to ten games on Monday against the East-leading Pistons.
CHA • Small Forward • #
about 1 month ago
The Hornets’ win streak has reached nine games, with Knueppel being one of six to finish Saturday’s victory in double figures. Rostered in 56 percent of Yahoo! leagues, the rookie has been a top-50 player in eight-cat formats during the Hornets’ win streak, according to Basketball Monster. Knueppel and the Hornets have five games in Week 17, with two being played before the All-Star break. Charlotte hosts Detroit on Monday.
CHA • Forward • #26
about 1 month ago
Acquired from the Celtics on Thursday, Tillman has yet to join his new team. Upon arrival, he’ll give the Hornets another option in the frontcourt, but he’s unlikely to get the run needed to affect fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Power Forward • #31
about 1 month ago
Salaün has missed Charlotte’s last three games, with Grant Williams taking up his minutes. Since Williams is also available for Saturday’s matchup with the Hawks, there’s no guarantee that Salaün gets legitimate rotation minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Dieng ultimately wound up in Milwaukee, while the Hornets waived Conley. However, due to White’s calf injury that will keep him out through the All-Star break, the Bulls had to take less in the deal. Instead of three second-round picks, they’ll receive two, a 2031 via New York and a 2031 via Denver.
Source: Fred Katz
NOP • Center • #
about 1 month ago
After making no more than two three-pointers in any game this season, Queen got hot on Friday. The rookie made all four of his attempts, which is a season-high, as part of a solid overall line. Consistency has been an issue recently for Queen, but his role is such that fantasy managers should continue to stick with him. Rostered in 51 percent of Yahoo! leagues, managers in 12-team formats seeking silly season potential should strongly consider adding Queen if he’s on the waiver wire.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
After knocking down 12 three-pointers in Wednesday’s overtime loss to the Bucks, Murphy hit six more on Friday. While the Pelicans have struggled to string together wins outside of a five-game win streak in mid-December, Murphy’s production has been consistently excellent. In nine-cat formats, the forward has been a first-round player this season. Murphy and the Pelicans play four games in Week 17, with two on each side of the All-Star break.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Give Williamson credit for knowing where his bread is buttered as a scorer. The Pelicans forward did not register an official shot outside of the paint on Friday, and the result was his highest point total in nearly a month. Over the past two weeks, Williamson has been close to a top-75 player in eight-cat formats. The only negative for fantasy managers is that New Orleans is done for Week 16, with the team’s next game scheduled for Monday against the Kings.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
While his first season in New Orleans hasn’t been successful from a team wins standpoint, this has been the most productive year of Bey’s NBA career. He recorded his third 30-point game of the season on Friday, helping lead the Pelicans to an upset win in Minneapolis. Over the past three weeks, Bey has been a first-round player in 12-team leagues, according to Basketball Monster. He’s still rostered in 42 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which is way too low, given Bey’s production.
CHA • Power Forward • #31
about 1 month ago
Salaün’s availability does not affect fantasy basketball, as he is not guaranteed to be part of the Hornets’ rotation. And the rotation got a bit more crowded with the team’s acquisition of Xavier Tillman Sr. from the Celtics.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Forward • #12
about 1 month ago
Charlotte waived KJ Simpson in a subsequent move. Evbuomwan will offer forward depth, but he’s not likely to see enough run to be worth a look in most fantasy leagues.
Source: Shams Charania
CHA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #0
about 1 month ago
After scoring nine points in Monday’s win over the Pelicans, Bridges doubled his output as Charlotte extended its win streak to eight games. While he hasn’t been the flashiest fantasy option, the Hornets’ forward has offered consistent value, ranking within the top-100 in nine-cat formats. Bridges’ value takes a hit in turnover-punt builds, but fantasy managers should not be concerned.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
While Ball is shooting 39.7 percent from the field over the past two weeks, his overall production is one reason why the Hornets have won their last eight games. Since shooting 0-of-10 from three in a January 21 loss to the Cavaliers, LaMelo has made at least two triples in each game of the win streak. While turnovers and shot selection can still be an issue for Ball, he’s making strides to the delight of the Hornets and fantasy managers.
CHA • Small Forward • #
about 1 month ago
For the first time since 1999, the Hornets have won eight consecutive games. While former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg is the betting favorite to win Rookie of the Year, Knueppel has been the picture of consistency in Charlotte. And his production has impacted winning. Fantasy-wise, Knueppel has been a top-75 fantasy player, exceeding his Yahoo! ADP (111) by a solid distance. The Hornets will look to extend their win streak to nine when they visit Atlanta on Saturday.
CHA • Power Forward • #31
about 1 month ago
Thursday’s game will be the third that Salaün has missed due to illness. His continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as the second-year forward has played limited minutes when available.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Forward • #26
about 1 month ago
The goal of this transaction was for the Celtics to get out of the luxury tax. Tillman was out of the Celtics’ rotation for most of this season, averaging 7.9 minutes per game in 14 appearances. His fantasy outlook won’t change in Charlotte.
Source: Shams Charania
CHA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
White was Charlotte’s big addition at the trade deadline, but they’ll wait at least four more games before he debuts to avoid any further issues with the calf that has given him trouble all season. Sion James and Josh Green should see a temporary boost in minutes until White debuts.
Source: Rod Boone
CHA • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #22
about 1 month ago
Branham was traded to Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis trade, but now he’ll be back in the Southeast division. Branham should be a solid depth scorer, though with Charlotte trying to push for the postseason, he likely won’t play enough minutes to make much of an impact.
Source: Shams Charania
NOP • Shooting Guard • #25
about 1 month ago
Terry was traded from Chicago to New York late Wednesday night and has been moved again about 12 hours later. New Orleans could have a place for him in the rotation, especially if they shift towards a true tank, even if they don’t have their first-round pick. Terry could hold some value during silly season, but he shouldn’t be rostered at this point.
Source: Shams Charania
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Bey has now made four three-pointers in two of his last three games. The 26-year-old shooting guard has been on fire, providing first-round per game value over the last two weeks. This run ultimately won’t last for Bey, but fantasy managers have to enjoy it while it’s ongoing. The Pelicans have one more game in Week 16, coming up Friday against the Timberwolves on the road.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Williamson displayed his unique athleticism midway through the third quarter when he took the ball the length of the floor, made multiple defenders miss and finished with a dunk at the rim. The play was equally as impressive as the fact he was able to execute it so effortlessly. Zion has provided 10th-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pelicans have one more game left in Week 16, coming up Friday against the Timberwolves on the road.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy became just the eighth player in NBA history to make at least 12 three-pointers in a game in Wednesday’s OT loss to the Bucks. The 25-year-old small forward broke out of a mini-slump with 27 points Monday against the Hornets and completely went off with 44 points Wednesday against the Bucks. Unfortunately, neither performance was enough to get the Pelicans the win. Murphy has provided eighth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pelicans have one more game this week, coming Friday against the Timberwolves.
CHA • Point Guard • #21
about 1 month ago
Signed to a one-year deal last offseason, Jones struggled to fit in, even with the Magic losing Jalen Suggs on multiple occasions due to injury. Given Charlotte’s logjam on the perimeter, this may not be the final destination for him, either via another trade or the buyout market after the deadline.
Source: Shams Charania
CHA • Point Guard • #25
about 1 month ago
Simpson last appeared in a game on December 18. His continued absence will not affect the Hornets’ rotation or fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Power Forward • #31
about 1 month ago
Salaün has missed Charlotte’s last two games, coinciding with Grant Williams being available. Since the Hornets have Williams in the fold, it’s doubtful that Salaün gets the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball. In fact, the second-year forward isn’t guaranteed to be in the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHA • Point Guard • #10
about 1 month ago
Conley was traded to Chicago on Tuesday, but reports indicated that he wouldn’t stick around. One day later, and he’s now in Charlotte. If he remains with the Hornets, he’ll provide a veteran presence in the locker room for a team that is trying to return to the postseason. That is good for Charlotte, but it doesn’t leave Conley with enough minutes for fantasy managers to consider him as an option.
Source: Shams Charania
CHA • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
about 1 month ago
Numerous teams were interested in making a move for White, and Charlotte has won the sweepstakes. With Sexton heading to Chicago, White will likely fill out the sixth man role that Sexton previously occupied and should start when LaMelo Ball comes off the bench during back-to-backs. This isn’t an ideal landing spot for White from a fantasy perspective, though he should still play enough minutes to provide some value.
Source: Shams Charania
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Ball took a hit to the face early in this game after both he and head coach Charles Lee went for a ball that was going out of bounds. Ball went to the locker room, but he was able to return and push Charlotte’s winning streak to seven games. Ball hasn’t been the only reason for Charlotte’s recent success, but he has only missed three games since November, which is a great development for him. They continue to manage his minutes, which has allowed him to stay available. That limits his impact in the box score, but he’s still able to be more productive that most players in limited action.
CHA • Power Forward • #2
about 1 month ago
Williams has played a solid role off the bench since making his season debut on Jan. 10, but he hasn’t contributed much in the box score. However, he was able to have his first double-digit scoring outing of the season in this game. Williams isn’t a player to consider rostering in most leagues at this time, and he has never been a strong option in fantasy basketball throughout his career. However, considering he missed 14 months due to a torn ACL, it was good to see him play this well.
CHA • Center • #
about 1 month ago
Kalkbrenner was the more impactful center for Charlotte early in the year, but recently, Moussa Diabaté has been starting and far more productive. However, that wasn’t the case in this game. Diabaté played 28 minutes to Kalkbrenner’s 18, but he only finished with two points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Kalkbrenner came close to a double-double and made an impact as a shot blocker. Kalkbrenner is a difficult player to use a roster spot on at this time, but it is good to see that he can still be productive in a limited role from time to time.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Williamson was able to record a double-double for the fourth time in his last six games. However, this was the second straight game that he shot below 40 percent from the floor, which is atypical for him. Williamson’s field goal percentage is one of his strongest categories, so a two-game stretch like this is rough for his value for fantasy managers. He’ll look to get back on track in Milwaukee on Wednesday.
NOP • Center • #
about 1 month ago
Queen’s production has come inconsistently, and most of January was rough for him. However, he has been able to provide some reminders that he can be a fantasy superstar when he gets the chance. He still has a lot of growing to do as a player, but his game translates well for category leagues. He typically shines when he gets to play at least 30 minutes, like he did in this game, though he has to earn those minutes. He hasn’t been force-fed minutes, though that could change as we get closer to the end of the season.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy had been struggling recently, having shot below 40 percent in four straight games entering this one and averaging just 13.5 points per game during that time. However, he was able to snap out of that slump in this game with an efficient shooting night and a much better scoring outing. Murphy has been a stud for most of the season, so a rough week was rather disappointing. This should be a sign that he is ready to get back on track, and he’ll look to stay hot against the Bucks on Wednesday.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Though Ball’s injury appears to be minor, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his playing time for the rest of the game and check to see if he shows up on the injury report ahead of Thursday’s matchup with the Rockets.
Source: Hornets PR
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
Inclement weather, which prevented the Spurs from getting back to Texas after losing on Saturday in Charlotte until mid-afternoon Sunday, is the reason for the time change. Fantasy managers with Pelicans or Hornets on their rosters will need to set their lineups a few hours earlier than they may have planned.
Source: NBA Communications
CHA • Shooting Guard • #10
about 1 month ago
Green is dealing with a sprained right thumb, but the probable tag suggests that he’ll be available on Monday. That said, he’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
With Saddiq Bey getting hot and scoring 34 points on 19 shots, Williamson took a back seat offensively. The six shot attempts were one more than his season-low, which was recorded in a January 21 loss to the Pistons. The blocked shots and free-throw percentage categories were solid, but fantasy managers hope for more robust stat lines from Williamson. He’ll look to bounce back on Monday against the Hornets.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
The good news for fantasy managers is that Murphy offered solid rebounding production, with this being his first game with at least nine boards in over two weeks. He didn’t have a great night shooting the ball, going 3-of-11 from three, but Philadelphia’s wing defenders deserve some credit for that. Murphy remains a high-level fantasy option as the Pelicans go into a three-game Week 16.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Bey, who has now scored at least 20 points in five of his last six games, had it rolling on Saturday. The Pelicans’ forward recorded his second 30-point game, finishing two points shy of his season-high. Add in the assists and three-pointers, and Bey continues to provide value for fantasy managers who continue to roster him. The Pelicans play three games in Week 16, starting with the red-hot Hornets on Monday.
CHA • Center • #14
about 1 month ago
Facing countryman Victor Wembanyama, Diabaté held his own on Saturday. In addition to recording his third double-double in five games and 13th of the season, the Hornets’ forward/center’s six assists were a season-high. Rostered in 25 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Diabaté appears to have locked down the starting center job. Even with the Hornets playing three games in Week 16, now is the time to add Moussa if he’s sitting on the waiver wire.
CHA • Point Guard • #1
about 1 month ago
While Ball didn’t have the best day shooting the basketball, including a 3-of-9 afternoon from inside the arc, his work as a playmaker helped the Hornets extend their win streak to six games. During the run, the Hornets’ point guard’s assist-to-turnover ratio has been excellent, with Ball recording 47 assists and 17 turnovers. He’s shooting just 36.5 percent from the field over the last two weeks, which has negatively affected Ball’s fantasy value. That said, fantasy managers should be encouraged by the decrease in turnovers.
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
about 1 month ago
Jones, who recently missed two-plus weeks with a sprained ankle, started and played 30 minutes in Friday’s win over the Grizzlies. His availability for Saturday’s game means that Jeremiah Fears will remain with the bench unit, which has lowered the rookie’s fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy popped up on the injury report on Sunday with a sore right hand, and while he played through it, he shot 7-of-22 in that game. In the two games since, he has shot 3-of-20 and 2-of-14. This is either an otherworldly shooting slump or his hand is still bothering him. He’s been able to contribute in other categories, but Murphy’s efficiency as a high-volume shooter has led to his fantasy dominance. He’ll look to get back on track in Philadelphia on Saturday.
NOP • Center • #
about 1 month ago
Queen had been quieter over the past few games for New Orleans, but he was able to have a strong performance in this one. He approached triple-double territory and had his first 20-point game since December. Queen has oozed upside as a rookie and will continue to pour in the counting stats, though it may come inconsistently. He’ll look to stay hot in Philadelphia on Saturday to wrap up this week.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Bey has enjoyed an excellent season after missing all of last year with a torn ACL, but this recent stretch is taking things up a notch. Over his last four games, Bey has averaged 24.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 3.5 triples per game on efficient shooting splits. This is arguably the best season of his career since he is more efficient than he was during his seasons in Detroit. Bey remains a must-roster player, and with how well he’s played, he may be a coveted target at the trade deadline.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Williamson has now recorded a double-double in three consecutive games. Three games in a row with at least 10 rebounds is tied for the longest stretch of his career with the other instance being the first three games of the 2021 season. Zion has provided 11th-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pelicans are off until Friday, when they take on the Grizzlies.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Bey continues to shine for the Pelicans, and he’s rebounded nicely after missing the entire 2024-25 season with a torn ACL. He’s scored at least 20 points in three straight and four of his last five appearances, providing top-75 per-game value in eight-cat formats since January 1. Bey is rostered in 30 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but now may be a good time to commit to him in standard leagues, even with the Pelicans playing three games in Week 15.
NOP • Center • #21
about 2 months ago
After starting for most of his rookie season, Missi has primarily been an afterthought in his second year due to the arrival of Derik Queen. However, since the calendar flipped to 2026, the 6-foot-11 center has averaged 22.3 minutes per game. While Missi’s fantasy value hasn’t been great during this stretch, the increase in playing time gives him more chances to do what he did on Sunday: record a double-double with a few “stocks.” Due to foul trouble, Queen (four points, four rebounds and one assist) played 17 minutes, which opened the door for Missi.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
Murphy played Sunday’s game after appearing on the injury report with a sore right hand, and that may have affected his shooting. Entering the game shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three, the Pelicans forward struggled against the Spurs. Murphy shot 3-of-11 from three and was slightly better (4-of-11) from inside the arc. However, the good news for fantasy managers is that he offered good value in the rebound and assist categories.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
In a matchup of two of the NBA’s more unique individual talents, Williamson outplayed Victor Wembanayma on Sunday. The Pelicans forward recorded his second double-double in as many games and third of the season. Add in the assists and percentages, and Sunday’s performance was an excellent one for Williamson. The Pelicans play three games in Week 15, starting with the Thunder on Tuesday.