114-104
FINALNew
Orleans Pelicans
22-47|L10: 7-3
Chicago
Bulls
30-41|L10: 3-7
-
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Eastern Conference
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CHI • Small Forward and Power Forward • #14
3 months ago
Here’s an oversimplification: Defense was optional in a back-and-forth shootout that ended as the season’s highest-scoring game. Buzelis was a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, including four three-pointers, to finish the first half with a team-leading 14 points as both teams shot over 55 percent from the floor and scored a staggering 156 points combined. The 21-year-old playmaker knocked down a season-high seven three-pointers overall and eclipsed the 20-point mark for the second consecutive contest. He made just one of two free throws in the final seconds of regulation with Chicago leading by just a single point at the time, giving the Hawks a chance to tie or take the lead on the final possession. He remains a work in progress overall, but the significant scoring upside keeps him relevant in all fantasy formats until further notice. The Bulls are back in action on Tuesday with a rematch against the Hawks before squaring off against the 76ers and Bucks to close out a three-game week.
CHI • Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Power Forward, and Small Forward • #3
3 months ago
Giddey dished out 12 helpers and nearly got to double-digit rebounds, remaining a consistent triple-double threat. He even managed to get to the free throw line eight times in this one. The 23-year-old guard has been outstanding as an all-around fantasy contributor this season, averaging 20.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks through 26 games, delivering top-40 overall value during that span.
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
3 months ago
Jones was forced to exit Saturday’s win over the Pacers before halftime after taking a shot to the face. Jordan Poole was inserted into the lineup to begin the third quarter, which could mean that he’ll start if Jones can’t play on Monday. The concern with Jones starting is how that could affect Jeremiah Fears, who has been running the point.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHI • Shooting Guard • #11
3 months ago
The Bulls will also have Jalen Smith (quad) as the team brings in a fully healthy roster for just the second time this season. Dosunmu could see some additional run after logging only 14 minutes in his return from a three-game absence on Friday, and White should see his usual allotment of minutes. Smith is likely in line for 10-15 minutes off the bench backing up Nikola Vucevic with Zach Collins.
Source: K.C. Johnson
CHI • Shooting Guard • #11
3 months ago
The Bulls will also have Jalen Smith (quad) as the team brings in a fully healthy roster for just the second time this season. Dosunmu could see some additional run after logging only 14 minutes in his return from a three-game absence on Friday, and White should see his usual allotment of minutes. Smith is likely in line for 10-15 minutes off the bench backing up Nikola Vucevic with Zach Collins.
Source: K.C. Johnson
CHI • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
3 months ago
White was slapped with a questionable tag on Saturday, but he’s now on track to take the court against Atlanta on Sunday. White played well over his last two games and will look to finish Week 9 on a high note.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Power Forward • #1
3 months ago
Williamson was a force of nature in this one, consistently exploiting Indiana’s lack of interior defense by consistently attacking the rim, which led to a plethora of easy shots around the rim in addition to a staggering 13 free throw attempts. He scored 18 of his points in the opening half and matched his previous season-high total in just 23 minutes. The 25-year-old big man continues to deal with lingering physical issues but he’s shown that he can still be an extremely impactful fantasy contributor when everything is going right. He’s averaged 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and three assists in three games since returning from a six-game absence due to an adductor injury. The Pelicans are back in action on Monday when they square off against the Mavericks to open a four-game week.
NOP • Center • #
3 months ago
Queen has been a double-double machine recently, accomplishing the feat three times over his last five games, averaging 17.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.4 blocks, delivering top-30 overall fantasy value during that two-weeks span. The 21-year-old rookie center is worthy of a roster spot in all fantasy formats as he continues his upward trajectory.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
3 months ago
On the heels of a season-high 29-point performance against the Rockets, Bey delivered another strong all-around effort in this one. The 26-year-old has emerged as a fairly consistent 20-point threat since late November and is averaging 17.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals over his last five games, delivering top-60 range fantasy value during that span. He should be rostered in most fantasy formats at this juncture.
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
3 months ago
Jones took a shot to the head during the first half of Saturday’s game. While he did return later in the second quarter, he was not on the floor to begin the third. And it has since been announced that Jones is done for the night. Jordan Poole replaced him in the lineup to begin the third quarter, and he could move into the starting five if Jones misses time.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
CHI • Center and Power Forward • #7
3 months ago
Smith played 15 minutes off the bench in Friday’s win over the Cavaliers, and he’ll be in line for a similar workload if he can play on Wednesday. If he can’t go, the available minutes will likely be absorbed by Nikola Vučević and Zach Collins.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHI • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
3 months ago
White is dealing with left ankle soreness. The 25-year-old point guard’s status for Sunday’s game against the Hawks is up in the air given his questionable listing. If he can’t go, Josh Giddey would see a boost in fantasy value.
CHI • Shooting Guard • #11
3 months ago
Dosunmu returned from a three-game absence due to injuries on both of his thumbs Friday against the Cavaliers. The 25-year-old point guard had just eight points in 14 minutes. He could be in line for more minutes against the Hawks Sunday.
CHI • Point Guard • #30
3 months ago
Despite being under a limit of 24 minutes, Jones still managed to provide solid value off the bench. Over the last two weeks, he has been an eighth-round player in nine-cat formats. The presence of Josh Giddey and Coby White in the rotation makes Jones a challenging player to trust full-time in most fantasy leagues, but he’s an automatic streamer when one of those two is unavailable.
CHI • Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Power Forward, and Small Forward • #3
3 months ago
While Giddey missed out on recording a triple-double in consecutive games for the first time since early November, fantasy managers will take the final stat line he offered in Cleveland. For the season, he has provided second-round value in 12-team, eight-cat formats. With Coby White (13/6/9 with one three-pointer) being mentioned in trade rumors recently, there’s a chance that Giddey’s fantasy value receives a boost later this season. The Bulls visit the Hawks on Sunday to end Week 9.
CHI • Small Forward and Power Forward • #14
3 months ago
After totaling 18 points in his prior two appearances, Buzelis had one of his best games of the season on Friday. The 24 points were three shy of his season-high, with the second-year forward recording his sixth 20-point game of the season. By comparison, Buzelis scored 20 points or more in five games as a rookie. He’s making strides, but the scorers in the Bulls’ rotation may limit Buzelis’ fantasy ceiling. He’s one of the reasons why fantasy managers may be rooting for Chicago to move a veteran (or more) before the February trade deadline.
CHI • Center • #9
3 months ago
Vučević came up big for the Bulls during the fourth quarter, shooting 5-of-8 from the field and scoring 11 of his 24 points. He finished with his 11th double-double of the season and first in just over two weeks, with the 15 rebounds being the most in a game for Vučević since October 27 (17 vs. Atlanta). A sixth-round player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks, the Bulls’ center has pushed his season-long value closer to his Yahoo! ADP (52). The Bulls end Week 9 with a game against the Hawks on Sunday.
CHI • Point Guard • #30
3 months ago
Jones is good to go after being upgraded from questionable to probable earlier Friday. With Chicago’s perimeter rotation intact since Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is available, Jones offers a limited fantasy ceiling. Also, he will be limited to 24 minutes on Friday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHI • Center and Power Forward • #12
3 months ago
Collins was initially probable for Friday’s game, so the status upgrade was expected. With Jalen Smith also in the Bulls’ rotation, neither is likely to get the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHI • Shooting Guard • #11
3 months ago
Dosunmu is back after missing three games due to injuries to both thumbs. His return will likely result in fewer minutes for Kevin Huerter, who is a deep-league option at best when the Bulls are close to full strength. Dalen Terry may fall out of the rotation entirely, even with Dosunmu limited to 24 minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHI • Point Guard • #30
3 months ago
Good news for Jones as he’s been upgraded to probable ahead of the Bulls matchup with the Cavaliers on Friday. The 25-year-old point guard had 11 points and 11 assists in the win over the Cavaliers on Wednesday. Even with Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) expected back, Jones should see 20-25 minutes off the bench and he’s been productive lately.
CHI • Shooting Guard • #11
3 months ago
Good news for fantasy managers with Dosunmu as the 25-year-old point guard has been upgraded to probable for Friday’s game against the Cavaliers. Dosunmu is dealing with injuries to both of his thumbs, which has caused him to miss the last three games. Kevin Huerter will likely see fewer minutes with Dosunmu expected back.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
3 months ago
Bey remained in the starting lineup on Thursday, and he could stay there as long as he’s playing well. Interim head coach James Borrego hasn’t said anything regarding what the lineup will look like once Zion Williamson (9/3/5/0/1 in 21 minutes) is no longer restricted. But Bey has made a good argument for himself staying in the starting lineup with Thursday’s performance. Over the last two weeks, he’s been close to a top-75 player in eight-cat formats, excellent value for a player who wasn’t on many radars before the season began.
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
3 months ago
While Jones has been among the best defenders in the NBA, it’s easy to ignore a player when he’s languishing on a bad team. He had a highly productive night on Thursday, recording a career-high eight steals. However, while Jones’ defensive abilities have shown up in the steals category, limited offensive production keeps his fantasy ceiling low. Jones shot 50 percent from the field against the Rockets, with the 18 points being a season-high. Hopefully, that’s a sign of what’s to come from him offensively.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
3 months ago
Murphy’s consistent production has been one of the bright spots for the Pelicans this season. He’s scored at least 20 points in seven straight games, and he’s providing top-20 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. New Orleans erased a 25-point deficit on Thursday, tying the record for the biggest comeback in franchise history. The Pelicans end Week 9 with a game against the Pacers on Saturday.
CHI • Point Guard • #30
3 months ago
Jones, who recorded his second double-double of the season in Wednesday’s win over the Cavaliers, is dealing with left hamstring tightness. If he can’t play and the Bulls remain without Ayo Dosunmu, there may be a few more minutes for Dalen Terry or Jevon Carter. Neither player is worth streaming in that scenario.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHI • Shooting Guard • #11
3 months ago
Dosunmu has missed Chicago’s last three games as he recovers from injuries to both thumbs. Kevin Huerter played 26 minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s win over the Cavaliers, and he would be in line for a similar workload if Dosunmu remains out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHI • Center and Power Forward • #12
3 months ago
Collins most recently played 16 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Cavaliers. The probable tag suggests he will play on Friday, but his playing time will be limited with Nikola Vučević in the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
CHI • Center • #9
3 months ago
Well, give Vooch credit for his “finishing kick.” The veteran center shot 6-of-9 from the field in the fourth quarter, which enabled him to record his first 20-point game since December 1. Over the past two weeks, he has averaged 12.4 points per game, with the decreased scoring weighing down Vučević’s fantasy value. That said, his season-long value remains within the top-75 in eight-cat formats. Fantasy managers should not be too concerned, especially in the aftermath of his performance against the Cavaliers.
CHI • Point Guard • #30
3 months ago
Wednesday’s performance was a reminder that Jones doesn’t necessarily need to start to provide solid fantasy value. He finished with his second double-double of the season, matching his season-high in the assist category. Of course, it should be noted that Chicago did not have Ayo Dosunmu (thumb), which freed up additional minutes on the perimeter. Jones has played at least 24 minutes in each of his last eight appearances, so playing time has not been a significant issue in recent games.
CHI • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
3 months ago
Since making his season debut on November 16, White has failed to score at least 20 points on just one occasion. While the turnovers have been somewhat problematic, he’s closing in on top-100 per-game value in eight-cat formats. The good news for those who have White rostered is that the Bulls play twice more in Week 9 without a back-to-back, so availability should not be an issue.
CHI • Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Power Forward, and Small Forward • #3
3 months ago
Giddey finished Wednesday’s victory with his 13th triple-double since joining the Bulls, moving to within two of Scottie Pippen for second place on the franchise’s all-time list. His stat line included a season-high five three-pointers, and the Bulls guard entered Wednesday shooting a career-high 39.8 percent from beyond the arc. While three-point percentage isn’t a scoring category in most fantasy leagues, Giddey’s improved proficiency has made him a better fantasy option than he’s been in years past.
CHI • Shooting Guard • #11
3 months ago
Initially considered questionable, Dosunmu will miss a third straight game due to injuries to both thumbs. Kevin Huerter should figure more prominently in the Bulls’ rotation, but he isn’t worth the risk in most fantasy leagues when coming off the bench.
Source: Drew Stevens
CHI • Shooting Guard • #11
3 months ago
Dosunmu has missed the last two games, but participated in the Bulls’ shootaround Tuesday. The 25-year-old point guard had both of his thumbs taped as he explained to reporters that he has a bone bruise on his right thumb and a grade-one strain on his left thumb. Dosunmu was otherwise in good spirits and hopes to play Wednesday. Kevin Huerter will continue filling in if Dosunmu is ruled out.
CHI • Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Power Forward, and Small Forward • #3
3 months ago
Giddey’s impact on the action Sunday night was muted, with this being the third time this season that he’s scored 10 points or less. Over the past two weeks, the Bulls guard has provided fourth-round value in eight-cat formats. That’s one round worse than his season-long value, so Sunday’s performance was not anything worth losing sleep over. Giddey and the Bulls play three games in Week 9, starting with the Cavaliers on Wednesday.
CHI • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #13
3 months ago
Having missed four games with a strained adductor, Huerter looked sharp in his 24 minutes against the Pelicans. Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) being out freed up some scoring opportunities for “Red Velvet,” who is not consistent enough to merit being rostered when he isn’t in the starting lineup. Leave him on the waiver wire, even if Dosunmu misses more time.
CHI • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #0
3 months ago
White led the way offensively for the Bulls and has scored at least 20 points in eight of the nine games he’s played this season. A bonus for fantasy managers on Sunday was the two steals, but White’s defensive production has been inconsistent. Hopefully, he’ll get to a point where fantasy managers can rely on White for more than the major statistical categories. Chicago plays three games in Week 9, starting with the Cavaliers on Wednesday.
NOP • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #13
3 months ago
One thing that basketball fans know and understand about Poole is that he’s going to get shots up. After attempting 19 in his first game back from a quad injury on Friday, he tied with Zion Williamson for the most shot attempts on the team in Sunday’s victory. The Pelicans have stuck with Jeremiah Fears as the starting point guard, and that should not change anytime soon. However, based on his shot volume, Poole doesn’t need to start to put up numbers.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
3 months ago
Available after a six-game absence, Williamson was under a minutes restriction on Sunday. For that reason, he came off the bench, with Saddiq Bey (10/6/1/2) remaining in the starting lineup. The reserve role did not negatively impact Williamson, who provided solid value in multiple categories in 27 minutes. Of course, fantasy managers were also watching to see how Zion’s return would affect Derik Queen. The rookie didn’t have his best night, finishing with four points, eight rebounds, six assists, one block and five turnovers in 25 minutes. However, to blame Queen’s showing on Williamson’s return would be a severe overreaction. With the Pelicans off until Thursday, they’ll have some welcome practice time to figure out the rotation.
NOP • Point Guard • #
3 months ago
Fears recorded his seventh 20-point game of the season on Sunday, and his efficiency has improved recently. Over the past two weeks, the rookie has averaged 16.5 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field. Turnovers have been an issue for Fears, who committed three against the Bulls, which is why he’s been more valuable in eight-cat formats and turnover-punt roster builds. The Pelicans are scheduled to play two games in Week 9, beginning with the Rockets on Thursday.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
3 months ago
Since returning from an elbow injury that sidelined him for two games, Murphy has scored at least 20 points in six straight appearances. With Zion Williamson back in the rotation, the Pelicans’ scoring was more balanced on Sunday, with six players scoring in double figures. Murphy has led the way throughout the season, and there’s no reason to believe that won’t remain the case moving forward. New Orleans doesn’t play its next game until Thursday as part of a two-game Week 9.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
3 months ago
Williamson is back after a six-game absence. His return affects multiple players, starting with Saddiq Bey. Bey has excelled as a starter and will remain in that role on Sunday, but his minutes may decrease. Also affected by Williamson’s presence in the lineup is Derik Queen, who may not be asked to facilitate as much as he was during the Pelicans’ last six games. If so, the rookie center would have a lower fantasy ceiling, which would be unfortunate.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
CHI • Shooting Guard • #25
3 months ago
While Terry should play rotation minutes with Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) unavailable, his opportunities remain limited due to Kevin Huerter’s return. There’s no need to consider streaming Terry.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Power Forward • #1
3 months ago
Williamson participated in practice Saturday and at least has a chance of returning from his adductor injury against the Bulls on Sunday. The 25-year-old power forward was to be re-evaluated three weeks from December 3, but beat that timeline by about a week. Saddiq Bey will likely move back to the bench if Zion is available Sunday.
NOP • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #13
3 months ago
Poole returned to the Pelicans’ rotation after a nine-game absence, and he wasted no time getting up shots. The scoring guard led the team in shot attempts and notched his third 20-point game of the season. For those who may have been concerned about how Poole’s return would affect Jeremiah Fears, the rookie’s minutes decreased somewhat, but the efficiency and production were good. Fears finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal in 25 minutes. Even with Poole back, there should be more than enough room for Fears to have an impact offensively, especially if he remains the starter.
NOP • Shooting Guard • #11
3 months ago
With Jordan Poole returning from a hip injury and Herb Jones making his second start since returning from a calf injury, there did not appear to be much room for McGowens in the Pelicans’ rotation on Thursday. Well, interim head coach James Borrego kept him in the rotation during the first half, and McGowens started for the ejected Jones to begin the third quarter. He had one of his best games as a pro, matching his career-high in scoring while not missing any of his five three-point attempts. While this performance isn’t enough to put McGowens on the radar of many fantasy managers, it’s clear that Borrego will give him opportunities if he continues to earn them.
NOP • Center • #
3 months ago
While Queen did not set the fantasy basketball world ablaze as he did in Monday’s loss to the Spurs, the rookie produced another excellent stat line. Shooting 66.7 percent from the field, the rookie center finished a blocked shot and a three-pointer shy of a complete stat line and did not commit a turnover. When Queen is aggressive on offense, the entire lineup benefits, as he has also proven to be adept at making plays for others. Given the skill set that Queen possesses, it would be unsurprising if his fantasy value took off while Zion Williamson is unavailable.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
3 months ago
The third quarter has been an issue for the Pelicans throughout this season, but that was not the case on Thursday. New Orleans outscored Portland by a 35-29 margin, and Murphy shot 4-of-5 from the field in the period. Interestingly, all five of his shots were attempted in the paint. It seemed as if the Pelicans as a team made a concerted effort to attack the paint in the period, and with significant effect. Murphy remains the Pelicans’ best fantasy option, and only an injury would change that. New Orleans ends Week 8 on Sunday against the Bulls.
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
3 months ago
Jones argued with an official regarding a foul called with 1.3 seconds remaining in the first half, picking up two technicals from two separate officials. His early departure makes New Orleans’ task of defending Deni Avdija more challenging, as that was his assignment. Jones finished with four points (2-of-7 FGs), four rebounds and one blocked shot in 14 minutes of play.
NOP • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #13
3 months ago
Poole has been cleared to make his first appearance in a game since November 5. His return likely means fewer minutes for Bryce McGowens and Jose Alvarado, with the former taking the more significant hit to his playing time.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #13
3 months ago
Poole has been out since early November with a quad injury. The 26-year-old point guard is nearing a return given his questionable listing for Thursday’s game against the Blazers. Jose Alvarado will continue to serve as the backup point guard if Poole is ultimately ruled out again.
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
3 months ago
Monday’s game was the first for Jones since November 21, as a strained calf had sidelined him. While he was limited to 26 minutes in his first game back, the Pelicans wing was productive. Jones is rostered in 22 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and he’s worth adding in some 12-team leagues with Zion Williamson (adductor) out. Bryce McGowens, who was starting for Jones, played 24 minutes off the bench on Monday, finishing with eight points, one rebound, two assists and one three-pointer.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
3 months ago
Murphy has scored at least 30 points in four games this season, more than halfway to his total in 2024-25 (seven). The Pelicans forward has been the team’s most valuable fantasy option this season, and by a wide margin. Murphy is providing top-25 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats; no other Pelicans currently ranks within the top-100 of either, according to Basketball Monster. The Pelicans play two more games in Week 8, starting with the Trail Blazers on Thursday.
NOP • Center • #
3 months ago
While the fact that the Pelicans paid a high price for the right to draft Queen remains a talking point, on Monday night, fans saw why the front office took that plunge. The rookie center scored a career-high 33 points and recorded his first triple-double, becoming the fifth rookie in the last 30 years to record a 30-point triple-double. The other four were Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin (two times), Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Also, Queen is the eighth player to account for at least 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and four blocked shots in a game since the league began recording blocked shots. New Orleans ran a lot of its offense through Queen, and that approach only raises his ceiling, especially with Zion Williamson (adductor) out.
Source: Keith Parish
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
3 months ago
Jones is available to make his first appearance since November 21. His return means that Bryce McGowens will head to the bench, with Saddiq Bey continuing to start due to Zion Williamson’s absence. McGowens will not be worth rostering, even if Jones’ playing time is restricted.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
3 months ago
Jones last appeared in a game on November 21, resulting in Saddiq Bey replacing him in the starting lineup. With Zion Williamson currently out, Bey will likely remain a starter even if Jones plays on Monday. That makes Bryce McGowens the player most likely to be dropped from the starting lineup. While McGowens has enjoyed some positive moments recently, his place within the rotation does not affect fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward • #25
3 months ago
Murphy did most of his damage in the second half of a one-sided affair, notching 14 of his team-high 25 points in the late stages of the contest, but it counts the same for fantasy managers. The 25-year-old has performed at a second-round level for fantasy purposes this season, averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.2 blocks through 22 games. The Pelicans are back in action on Monday when they face the Spurs to open a three-game week that also includes matchups against the Trail Blazers and Bulls.