105-107
FINALNew
Orleans Pelicans
26-58|L10: 1-9
Houston
Rockets
57-33|L10: 6-4
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Eastern Conference
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HOU • G • #15
about 1 month ago
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has changed the starting lineup. Sheppard moves into the starting five, with Tari Eason being dropped to the bench. While still capable of providing solid fantasy value in a reserve role, Eason possesses a lower ceiling with the lineup change.
Source: Vanessa Richardson
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Murray is back after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Clippers, which was the second game in as many nights for the Pelicans. His return means that Yves Missi will head to the bench after starting the last time out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy stayed hot in this game and just scored 50 points in 24 hours against the Clippers, which helped push this winning streak to three games. He has been fantastic all season, though it has looked a little prettier lately with the performances leading to wins. The Pelicans have enjoyed a lot of success recently and will look to stay hot against the Cavaliers on Saturday to wrap up the week.
NOP • Center • #21
about 1 month ago
With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) sidelined for the second night of this back-to-back, Missi got the starting nod. He took advantage of the opportunity by recording his first double-double since January and just his fourth of the season. Missi’s role has been too inconsistent for him to be worth rostering, but he is still capable of contributing when he gets the opportunity. The Pelicans have two more back-to-backs this season, so Missi could get two more starts.
NOP • Center • #21
about 1 month ago
With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) sidelined for the second leg of this back-to-back, Missi will enter the starting unit. Across Missi’s last two starts, he has averaged 4.5 blocks per game and should provide a solid dose of swats in a larger role.
Source: Tomer Azarly
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Thursday’s game is the second in as many nights for Murray and the Pelicans, so he’ll sit for injury management reasons. In the past, Yves Missi has moved into the starting lineup, with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy and even Herb Jones taking on more playmaking responsibilities.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Thompson followed Monday’s double-double with another on Wednesday. He offered similar rebounding and assist numbers in both games against the Lakers, but was a better scorer in the rematch. He finished as one of two Houston players to score 20 or more points in Wednesday’s loss, and his 42 minutes marked a team high. Thompson’s workload and usage shouldn’t lessen in any way during the stretch of the regular season as the Rockets try to finish strong and avoid the Play-In Tournament. He’ll continue to be a great fantasy option on a nightly basis.
HOU • Center • #28
about 1 month ago
Sengun returned from a two-game absence and was, unsurprisingly, one of Houston’s most productive players on Wednesday. By way of efficient shooting, he led the Rockets in points, while finishing as the only player on Houston to reach double figures in assists. The double-double marked his sixth points-assists double-double of the season, which has been useful for a Rockets team lacking a natural point guard in the starting unit. Barring injuries, Sengun should remain one of Houston’s most reliable players and a triple-double threat each time he takes the floor.
HOU • Forward • #35
about 1 month ago
A game after being limited to 18 points, Durant landed an identical scoring total on Wednesday, but on even fewer shot attempts. The two-time Finals MVP shot the ball well in his limited looks at the rim and was more secure with the ball in this rematch than he was in the previous meeting. Nonetheless, Durant has had insignificant production in three of his last four games, which has come at an unideal time from a fantasy basketball standpoint. He’ll have a chance to get back on track Friday against the Hawks.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy did a little bit of everything for the Pelicans in their win on Wednesday. Productive three-point shooting helped him conclude as one of two New Orleans players to log at least 20 points, and his activity on the glass led to a higher rebound total than any other Pelicans starter. Murphy was also active on the defensive end to round out another busy box score. The Pelicans will face the Clippers again on Thursday, which gives Murphy a chance to land another productive outing.
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Murray returned from a one-game absence (illness) to log his first double-double of the season. He had a fairly balanced performance overall as a lead guard, shooting efficiently en route to tallying the third-most points on the team, while functioning as the clear table setter on Wednesday. The veteran guard has played very well early in his return from Achilles surgery. He could be an important player throughout the fantasy playoffs.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Bey was the Pelicans’ top scorer against L.A. In fact, he tied a game-high in points, which was largely a result of his shooting from beyond the arc. Bey’s zero-point opening quarter didn’t suggest that he’d be on his way to the best scoring performance of March, but a strong second and even stronger third quarter set the stage. He also chipped in a handful of rebounders and nearly as many assists before the final horn sounded, finishing with a solid overall stat line.
HOU • Center • #28
about 1 month ago
The lone change to the Rockets’ starting lineup is Şengün, who is back after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Lakers. His return means that Clint Capela will head to the bench, and he may fall out of the rotation entirely.
Source: Varun Shankar
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Murray missed Monday’s game against the Mavericks due to illness, but it appears that he will return on Wednesday. The Pelicans had inserted Yves Missi into the starting lineup to go bigger against the Mavericks. He will probably move back to the bench on Wednesday.
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Murray is questionable with an illness after missing Monday’s win over the Mavericks. The Pelicans opted for a bigger lineup without Murray on Monday with Yves Missi playing with the starters. Missi had four points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 28 minutes and could be in for a similar workload if Murray is ultimately ruled out again.
HOU • Center • #28
about 1 month ago
Şengün sat out Monday’s loss to the Lakers, but he’ll be back in action for Wednesday’s rematch. Şengün’ return will push Clint Capela back to the bench after Capela started on Monday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Thompson was one of Houston’s most productive players against the Lakers. On the offensive end, he excelled in his role as a combo guard, scoring as well as nearly any other Rockets player while concluding with a team-high in assists. Thompson didn’t wow with his defensive stats in terms of being disruptive with steals and blocks, but he rebounded well en route to his 16th double-double of the season. Wednesday’s rematch against the Lakers will give him a chance to outdo himself.
HOU • • #
about 1 month ago
Smith Jr. led the Rockets in scoring on Monday, despite some struggles from behind the three-point line. He scored the ball fairly consistently throughout the game, but never had any major scoring runs. The fourth-year forward also made an impact on the glass and finished as the only starter not to commit multiple turnovers. Smith wasn’t otherworldly on Monday but did well in his minutes.
HOU • Forward • #35
about 1 month ago
Durant logged an unspectacular game on Monday, relative to his usual production. He scored under 20 points and failed to make a three-point shot for the second time in the last three games, each coming in Houston losses. And even beyond the low scoring total, his struggles against this Los Angeles defense can be seen in the seven turnovers he committed. Durant lacked his usual production, but he will have an opportunity to bounce back on Wednesday in a second straight matchup with the Lakers.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy recorded a fine stat line in Monday’s win. He was exceptional inside the arc as a scorer and struggled from the perimeter before falling short of the 20-point mark for the second game in a row. Still, he facilitated and effectively made passes en route to a team-high in assists while also making a difference on the glass. Murphy added a few stocks on the defensive end, as well, to conclude with a well-rounded performance overall.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Despite struggles from the three-point line, Bey was one of two Pelicans players to score at least 20 points in Monday’s win. Free throws were a noteworthy factor in his scoring production, while he made an impact on the glass along the way. The veteran wing’s offensive numbers were a welcome sight for fantasy managers, who saw Bey finish in single digits in scoring in the two previous games. He’ll have a chance to stay on track against the Clippers on Wednesday.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 1 month ago
Williamson took advantage of his opportunities against the Mavericks, missing only two shots from the field en route to securing a team-high in points. Most of the former first-overall pick’s work on the offensive end was accomplished in the first three quarters, before he had a quiet fourth quarter as the Pelicans played with a large lead. Williamson’s efficiency throughout March has been great, albeit on relatively insignificant field-goal attempts per game. If he can increase his volume, another level of success could be reached from a fantasy standpoint.
HOU • Center • #28
about 1 month ago
After sitting out Friday’s win over the Pelicans, Şengün has been ruled out for a second straight game. However, it will be Capela who replaces him in the starting lineup after Dorian Finney-Smith did so the last time out. The matchup dictated the change, as the Lakers start a true center in Deandre Ayton while New Orleans did not.
Source: Khobi Price
NOP • Center • #21
about 1 month ago
The Pelicans won’t have Dejounte Murray for Monday’s game, as he is out with an illness. As was the case the last time the point guard missed a game, Missi moves into the starting lineup. Murphy and Williamson should have the ball in their hands as initiators of the Pelicans’ offense.
Source: NBA Lineups
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Murray is out after being listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The Pelicans went big the last time he missed a game, with Yves Missi moving into the starting lineup. A similar approach on Monday would raise Missi’s short-term fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Center • #28
about 1 month ago
Şengün did not play in Friday’s win over the Pelicans, with Dorian Finney-Smith receiving the starting nod. Finney-Smith was not productive enough to affect fantasy basketball, and there’s no reason to consider streaming him if Şengün remains out on Monday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Murray had his most productive game of the season on Friday, dropping 34 points in a loss to the Rockets. If he’s unable to play on Monday, the Pelicans could go big, with Yves Missi moving into the starting lineup. He received the nod the last time Murray missed a game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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 • • #
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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 • • #
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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 • • #
about 2 months 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 • • #
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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.
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 2 months 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
NOP • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #5
about 2 months 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
NOP • Point Guard • #
about 2 months 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 • #
about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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.