105-107
FINALNew
Orleans Pelicans
22-48|L10: 6-4
Houston
Rockets
44-26|L10: 6-4
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Eastern Conference
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NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 11 hours ago
While much is made of Williamson’s lackluster three-point production and free-throw percentage in terms of his fantasy value, his limited defensive production has also been an issue in March. That was not the case on Friday, however, as the Pelicans’ forward recorded two blocked shots. In six appearances this month, Williamson has totaled three steals and two blocks. Given his athleticism, there may be some fantasy managers who hoped that some of that ability would translate to the defensive end of the floor. But at the very least, availability has not been a concern for Williamson, as he’s missed one game since mid-December.
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 11 hours ago
While the Rockets managed to win the game, they never came up with a suitable answer to Murray defensively. Enjoying his most productive game of the season, the Pelicans’ guard shot 8-of-10 from the field in the first half. Murray shot 6-of-8 in the second half, finishing with his first 30-point game of the season. The Pelicans don’t play again this week, and their four-game Week 21 includes a back-to-back. As a result, Murray managers may have him for three games.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
about 11 hours ago
Thompson’s stat line on Friday was arguably his best since the All-Star break. The Rockets’ guard/forward finished two assists shy of a triple-double, and he’s scored 20 points or more in four of his last five appearances. Since March 1, Thompson has provided third-round value in eight-cat formats. After a relatively slow start to the season, Amen has upped the production at the right time, with the fantasy playoffs in many leagues right around the corner.
HOU • Forward • #35
about 11 hours ago
Durant made the biggest shot of Friday’s game, as his mid-range jumper with 7.6 seconds remaining gave Houston a one-point lead. The future Hall of Fame forward would make two free throws to seal the victory, capping his first 30-point game since March 2. Houston’s Week 20 schedule is complete, and the Rockets are scheduled to play four games in Week 21.
HOU • Forward • #17
about 15 hours ago
The Rockets won’t have Alperen Şengün for Friday’s game, as he sits with a back injury. However, instead of replacing him with a center, the Rockets are going small, with Finney-Smith moving into the starting lineup. Clint Capela may pick up a few more minutes off the bench, but not starting eliminates what little streaming value he had.
Source: NBA Lineups
HOU • Center • #28
about 17 hours ago
Şengün’s absence creates a spot in the Rockets’ starting lineup, with Clint Capela the likely replacement. The veteran backup is worth streaming in this spot, especially for managers needing rebounds.
Source: Will Guillory
HOU • Center • #28
1 day ago
Şengün is dealing with lower back pain, casting some doubt on his availability for Friday’s game. If he can’t play against the Pelicans, Clint Capela would be the next man up. A fantasy afterthought this season, Capela would be worth streaming because of the rebound and blocked shot potential.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Center • #28
2 days ago
There were only two positives for Şengün in Tuesday’s blowout defeat. He kept the turnovers in check, recording two, and the three blocks were the most in a game for him since tallying three in a late February win over the Kings. While the Rockets’ center’s fantasy value since the All-Star break has been solid, Şengün is ranked outside the top-150 in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks.
HOU • Forward • #35
2 days ago
Durant wasn’t the only Rockets player to have a subpar night, but this one had to hurt for those who have the future Hall of Fame forward on their roster. The 11 points tied his season low, and this was the first game in which KD did not reach double figures in shot attempts. Durant and the Rockets will look to bounce back on Friday when they host the Pelicans.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
2 days ago
Wednesday was a night to forget for the Rockets, who were outscored by a 40-22 margin in the third quarter and would go on to lose by 36. Thompson produced a decent stat line, but the defensive output was minimal. And for a player who doesn’t offer much value in the points category, that can be an issue for fantasy managers. The Rockets play once more in Week 20, Friday night against the Pelicans.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
3 days ago
Williamson has scored at least 19 points in each of his last five appearances, and he has provided reliable top-100 fantasy value since the All-Star break. That may not seem like much, given his ADP, but it represents an improvement when compared to Williamson’s pre-break production. And with Dejounte Murray back in the fold running the point, Zion’s ceiling for the rest of the season has been raised.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
3 days ago
Murphy’s run continues, as he’s providing first-round value in eight-cat formats since the All-Star break. He was highly efficient against the Raptors, with the stat line only lacking a blocked shot. The lone negative for fantasy managers is that New Orleans plays just once more in Week 20, Friday night in Houston.
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
3 days ago
Jayson Tatum isn’t the only player who’s looked good recently since returning from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Murray has improved by the game in New Orleans, and his showing against the Raptors was his best yet. The Pelicans point guard surpassed the 20-point mark for the first time this season, and he also provided solid value in rebounds, assists and steals. The concern for fantasy managers going into the playoff weeks for Yahoo! default leagues: the schedule. New Orleans has a back-to-back in Weeks 21, 22 and 23, which isn’t good for Murray’s availability.
HOU • Forward • #17
3 days ago
DFS still isn’t playing back-to-backs, so after suiting up on Tuesday, he will sit for this game. Josh Okogie should take on extra minutes off the bench with DFS sidelined.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • • #
4 days ago
Smith had 23 points in the win over the Raptors after scoring 17 in the loss to the Spurs on Sunday, which was his first game back after missing three of four games with an ankle injury. Reed Sheppard had just seven points in 24 minutes off the bench with Smith back in the lineup.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
4 days ago
Thompson has had at least 20 points in five of his last six games now. The 23-year-old point guard has also had at least six assists in three consecutive games. Thompson has provided fifth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Rockets have two more games this week, starting with a matchup against the Nuggets on Wednesday.
HOU • Forward • #35
4 days ago
Durant was excellent in the win over the Raptors on Tuesday. The 37-year-old small forward basically couldn’t miss, going 12-of-16 from the floor. Durant has provided first-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Rockets play the Nuggets on Wednesday.
NOP • Shooting Guard • #11
4 days ago
McGowens has a fractured small toe on his right foot, which may keep him out of multiple games. There may be additional minutes for Micah Peavy, but not enough to affect fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • • #
6 days ago
Smith was back in the Rockets’ lineup after a one-game absence and had a solid night scoring-wise. The 17 points were the most for him in four appearances, having tallied 31 in a February 23 win over the Jazz. Smith entered Sunday having missed three of Houston’s previous four games with an ankle injury, and his return pushed Reed Sheppard to the bench. Sheppard (17/3/3/1/1 with three three-pointers) still played 35 minutes against the Spurs, and he should remain rostered in 12-team leagues.
HOU • Center • #28
6 days ago
While Şengün shot the ball well from the field on Sunday, his overall impact was limited. And, to the dismay of managers in nine-cat formats, turnovers remain an issue for the Rockets’ center. Şengün was responsible for five on Sunday, pushing his total to 24 over his last four games. That’s an area Şengün must clean up if the Rockets are to make a run in the playoffs. Fantasy managers would also appreciate him making progress in that area.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
6 days ago
Thompson has been highly productive for fantasy managers over his last five games. Scoring at least 18 points in each appearance, the Rockets wing has averaged 21.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 60.3 percent from the field. The lackluster three-point production and low free-throw percentage limit Thompson’s value in some category league formats, but most managers know what they’re getting from him at this early stage in his career.
HOU • Forward • #35
6 days ago
Durant had a good night in San Antonio, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Rockets from getting blown out. All that his final line lacked was a steal, but fantasy managers aren’t going to lose any sleep over that. Durant and the Rockets open a three-game Week 20 on Tuesday against the Raptors. The schedule isn’t great for managers whose leagues have reached the playoff rounds, as Houston plays its final game of the week on Friday.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
6 days ago
Williamson had 20 points on just eight attempts from the field, but only two rebounds and one assist. It didn’t help that he only played 23 minutes as the Pelicans ran away with the victory. While the Pelicans only have two games upcoming in Week 20, the good news is Williamson should be available for both contests given the amount of off-days.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
6 days ago
Murphy had another excellent game. The 25-year-old small forward led the Pelicans with 24 points on their way to a 20-point victory. The lone negative was that he exited with an upper back injury, but the Pelicans forward was on the bench with his teammates after having ice applied to the area. Since the start of February, Murphy has averaged 24.1 points and 4.7 assists. He’s also shooting 49 percent from the field and 48 percent from the three-point line in that time. The Pelicans have two games upcoming in Week 20, starting with a matchup against the Raptors on Wednesday.
Source: Rod Walker
HOU • • #
6 days ago
Smith is back in the Rockets’ starting lineup, pushing Reed Sheppard to the bench. Sheppard will still play heavy minutes and should be rostered in 12-team leagues.
HOU • • #
7 days ago
Smith is back after sitting out Friday’s win over the Trail Blazers, which was Houston’s second game in as many nights. His return means that Reed Sheppard will return to the bench, where he will still play heavy minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward • #25
7 days ago
Murphy has 64 points and 11 three-pointers in three games so far this week. The 25-year-old small forward led the Pelicans with 22 points and four three-pointers in Friday’s loss to the Suns. Murphy also had an impact on the defensive end with two steals and a block. He’s provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pelicans close out the week against the Wizards on Sunday.
HOU • Forward • #35
7 days ago
While Durant managed to score 20 points with eight rebounds and five assists, he made the most of a rough game. The 37-year-old small forward was hardly efficient with 20 points coming on 18 attempts and eight turnovers. Durant has still provided first-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
7 days ago
Thompson appeared to tweak his ankle in Thursday’s loss to the Warriors, but showed no ill effects with monster game against the Trail Blazers on Friday. The 23-year-old point guard had 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Thompson also had an impact on the defensive end with two steals and a block. He’s provided seventh-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Rockets close out Week 19 against the Spurs on Sunday.
HOU • Center • #28
7 days ago
Sengun has had at least 28 points in two of his last three games. The 23-year-old center was excellent Friday against the Trail Blazers, shooting 73.3 percent from the field. Sengun has provided seventh-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster. The Rockets close out Week 19 on Sunday against the Spurs.
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
8 days ago
Murray is back after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Kings. His return pushes Yves Missi to the bench, with the Pelicans beginning Friday’s game without a true center.
Source: NBA Lineups
HOU • G • #15
8 days ago
The Rockets won’t have Jabari Smith Jr. for Friday’s game, as he is out with an ankle injury. As a result, Sheppard, who started for Thompson earlier this week, returns to the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Lineups
HOU • • #
8 days ago
Smith is set to miss only his fourth game of the season on Friday against the Trail Blazers. The 22-year-old forward is dealing with an ankle injury. With Smith out, Tari Eason and Josh Okogie should see additional minutes.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
8 days ago
Thompson is good to go after appearing to tweak his right ankle during Thursday’s loss to the Warriors. He’ll take on his usual role within the starting lineup.
Source: Varun Shankar
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
8 days ago
Murray sat out Thursday for the first leg of the Pelicans’ back-to-back set, but he’ll be back in action against Phoenix and should handle a normal workload. Jeremiah Fears’ fantasy appeal takes a hit as a result of Murray’s availability.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • • #
8 days ago
Smith Jr. logged 42 minutes in Thursday’s OT loss to the Warriors, and the Rockets may give him the night off for the second leg of a back-to-back set as he continues to recover from a right ankle sprain. If JSJ is unable to go, Tari Eason and Josh Okogie could see additional run.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Point Guard • #
8 days ago
Fears’ six assists, which equalled his total from New Orleans’ prior two games, were the most for him since hitting that number in a February 21 win over the 76ers. The rookie guard played 28 minutes on Thursday, with his playing time receiving a slight boost due to Dejounte Murray (Achilles) being sidelined. With Murray likely playing on Friday in Phoenix, Fears will have a lower fantasy ceiling for New Orleans’ penultimate game of Week 19.
NOP • Center • #
8 days ago
While Yves Missi (7/2/1/2/4 in 16 minutes) received the starting nod on Thursday, Queen and Karlo Matković (9/9/2 with three blocks and one three-pointer) wound up playing more. In Queen’s case, a near double-double was accompanied by five assists in a solid offensive performance for the rookie. However, lapses in attention remain an issue on the defensive end of the floor, which will limit Queen’s playing time until he addresses them.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
8 days ago
Bey did not provide the most robust stat line in Sacramento, but he continues to put up the points. In the midst of the most productive season of his NBA career, the Pelicans forward has scored at least 20 points in 22 of the 57 games he’s appeared in. Rostered in 45 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Bey has the potential to be a league-winner where he is still on the waiver wire, especially in points leagues.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
8 days ago
Since returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for five games, Murphy has averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 3.7 three-pointers while shooting 45.5 percent from the field. The Pelicans play two more games in Week 19, starting with Friday’s matchup with the Suns, and it isn’t guaranteed that Murphy will be available for both. If he sits on Friday, that spot in the lineup could go to Dejounte Murray (Achilles) after he was given Thursday night off.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
8 days ago
After putting up 24 points in his return to action on Tuesday against the Lakers, Zion dropped another 23 on the Kings. And he was efficient, shooting better than 70 percent from the field. Add in the rebounds and assists, and Thursday was an excellent night for those who have Zion rostered. The Pelicans are in Phoenix on Friday, and it remains to be seen if Williamson will be available. Back-to-backs weren’t an issue before his most recent ankle injury, so he may be able to play.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
8 days ago
Thompson appeared to tweak his right ankle late in the third quarter of Thursday’s game, but he was able to return after spending a little time on the bench. The Rockets’ wing played 44 of a possible 53 minutes against the Warriors, and that’s with Houston hosting Portland on Friday. Add in the ankle injury, and fantasy managers should not be surprised if Thompson shows up on the injury report.
HOU • G • #15
8 days ago
With Jabari Smith Jr. returning from a sprained ankle, Sheppard was pushed back to the bench on Thursday. That didn’t prevent the second-year guard from having one of his most productive nights as a pro. Sheppard recorded his second career 30-point game, finishing one point shy of his career-high. Also, he’s made at least four three-pointers in six straight games. Those who picked up Sheppard when Smith went down with his ankle injury should hold onto the young guard until he cools off. Smith struggled on Thursday, shooting 0-of-8 from the field and finishing with three points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, one blocked shot and five turnovers.
HOU • Center • #28
8 days ago
Şengün’s seven assists on Thursday were the most in a game for him since February 25, when he recorded 11 as part of a triple-double against the Kings. The Rockets’ center wasn’t as productive against the Warriors, an unsurprising development, given the defensive abilities of Draymond Green and Al Horford. What should also make Şengün managers feel better is that the Rockets play twice more in Week 19, starting with the Trail Blazers on Friday.
HOU • Forward • #35
8 days ago
Durant’s streak of games with at least 30 points ended at three on Thursday, but he still shot 50 percent from the field and recorded a complete stat line. Since the All-Star break, the Rockets star has averaged 28.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.8 three-pointers per game while shooting 53.6 percent from the field and 93.8 percent from the foul line.
NOP • Center • #21
9 days ago
Murphy and Williamson are good to go for Thursday’s game, but the Pelicans won’t have Dejounte Murray for the first of two games they’ll play in as many nights. He’s been replaced in the lineup by Yves Missi, which raises the second-year center’s short-term fantasy value.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Power Forward • #1
9 days ago
Zion was questionable for this game, but he will be good to go against Sacramento. He had 24 points against the Lakers on Thursday and will look to stay hot against a porous Kings defense.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward • #25
9 days ago
Murphy was upgraded from questionable to probable on Thursday afternoon, a sign that he was on track to play. He’ll occupy his usual place in the starting lineup, with Bryce McGowens continuing to come off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report