108-124
FINALNew
Orleans Pelicans
21-61|L10: 2-8
Los
Angeles Lakers
51-36|L10: 4-6
-
//
Eastern Conference
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NOP • Guard • #22
10 months ago
Alvarado returns from a calf injury that sidelined him for Thursday’s loss to the Bucks. However, he replaces Antonio Reeves in the starting lineup, not Payton. The other change of note is Kelley, who will start due to the absences of Yves Missi and Karl Matkovic.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Point Guard • #15
10 months ago
Alvarado and Olynyk were held out of Sunday’s loss to the Bucks, with Elfrid Payton and Antonio Reeves moving into the starting lineup. Reeves’s inclusion shifted Keion Brooks Jr. and Bruce Brown down a position in the lineup. Brown is the best streaming option for managers in active leagues, while Payton can provide assists.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Point Guard, Small Forward, and Shooting Guard • #00
10 months ago
Brown’s nine assists were a season-high, and he’s reached double figures in scoring in six of his last eight outings. The Pelicans wing was an 11th-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. For managers whose leagues run through Week 23, the Pelicans play four games, making Brown worth a roll of the dice. He’s only rostered in 11 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
NOP • Center • #21
10 months ago
Missi extended his streak of games with at least 10 rebounds to five on Sunday, and he has recorded three double-doubles during this stretch. For fantasy managers whose leagues ended with Week 22, the seven-foot rookie finished strong, providing top-100 value in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. The Pelicans begin a four-game Week 23 in Brooklyn on Tuesday, and Missi is worth rostering since his place in the starting lineup is secure.
NOP • Shooting Guard • #12
10 months ago
Reeves is one of the Pelicans who has benefitted from the absences of CJ McCollum and Jordan Hawkins, with the former being out for the rest of the season. The rookie guard has reached double figures in four straight and five of his last six appearances, with Sunday’s performance being his best. Reeves’ 23 points are the most he’s scored in a game since November 20, when he went off for 34 against the Cavaliers. For deep-league managers whose leagues will be active during Week 23, Reeves will be worth a look if Hawkins remains out.
NOP • Shooting Guard • #12
10 months ago
The Pelicans are without Jose Alvarado and Kelly Olynyk, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Payton and Reeves will fill the resulting voids, and they are worth streaming due to New Orleans’ lack of healthy options.
Source: NBA Lineups
NOP • Point Guard • #15
10 months ago
Alvarado will not play in Sunday’s game, opening up a spot in the Pelicans’ starting lineup. Elfrid Payton should be the replacement, and while his scoring output can be limited, he’s worth streaming for deep-league managers needing assists.
Source: Will Guillory
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
For just the second time this season and the first since November 27, James did not attempt a free throw in Sunday’s game. However, he was efficient, shooting over 50 percent from the field and committing just two turnovers in the Lakers’ 126-99 victory. Over the past two weeks, James has provided top-25 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, unsurprising production for the future Hall of Fame forward. The Lakers play four games for managers whose leagues will be active during Week 23, starting with the Thunder on Tuesday.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
10 months ago
The Lakers finished Sunday’s victory with six double-digit scorers, including Reaves. He’s scored at least 20 points in three straight games and six of his last seven. Over the past two weeks, Reaves has provided top-20 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Managers in leagues that will be active next week who have him rostered will be pleased that the Lakers play four games during Week 23. They begin their final week of the regular season with a rematch with Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
10 months ago
Doncic continues to take better care of the basketball, committing only two turnovers in Saturday’s 126-99 victory. Add in the efficient shooting, and this was one of his better all-around performances since joining the Lakers in February. The good news for Doncic managers whose leagues run through Week 23 is that the Lakers still have seeding to play for, so availability should not be an issue for him. Los Angeles plays four games, starting with the Thunder on Tuesday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
James has played a ton of minutes since returning from injury and will suit up against the best team in the Western Conference. He was held to just 12 points in his first meeting with the Thunder this season.
NOP • Shooting Guard • #24
10 months ago
Sunday’s game will be Hawkins’s fourth missed due to a back injury. Keion Brooks Jr. replaced him in the starting lineup for Friday’s loss to the Lakers, but the Pelicans have also called for Antonio Reeves to fill the void in the past. While Reeves can offer more to managers needing three-pointers, Brooks is better for those needing defensive production.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Center and Power Forward • #13
10 months ago
Olynyk will receive a rest day on Sunday, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Pelicans coach Willie Green has been willing to start Karlo Matkovic alongside Yves Missi in the past, and he may take a similar approach on Sunday. Another potential replacement is Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who does not offer much streaming value as a starter.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Point Guard • #15
10 months ago
Alvarado appeared hobbled during Friday’s loss to the Lakers but still logged 28 minutes as the starting point guard. With CJ McCollum done for the season, the Pelicans would have to rely on Elfrid Payton if Alvarado is unavailable on Sunday. Payton does not provide much value as a scorer, but he would be worth streaming in deep leagues for managers needing assists.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
As has been the case recently, the Lakers have listed James as probable on the initial injury report. Given the importance of Sunday’s game, fantasy managers can safely assume LeBron will play. As for Bronny, he’s been removed from the injury report but is not likely to log rotation minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Center • #21
10 months ago
Missi’s 13 points were more than he had in any of his last three games. His 11 rebounds, however, gave him four consecutive games with at least 10 rebounds. The 20-year-old center isn’t a prolific scorer, but can clearly man the boards for fantasy managers looking for rebounds. Missi is also a defensive presence as he contributed one steal and one block against the Lakers. He’ll be back on the court as the Pelicans take on the Bucks Sunday.
NOP • Point Guard • #15
10 months ago
Alvarado continues to take advantage of the Pelicans missing multiple starters down the stretch of the season. The 26-year-old point guard has now taken at least 12 shots in five consecutive games, something he seldom did before that stretch. Alvarado was just 2-for-21 from behind the three-point line in his previous four games so he was due to make six three-pointers as he did against the Lakers. Expect Alvarado to keep chucking with inconsistent results as the Pelicans finish out the season.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
LeBron had 27 points on 17 shots including two made three-pointers in 33 minutes on the second night of a back-to-back. The 40-year-old small forward continues to defy NBA history as he’s done his entire career. The Lakers have the day off Saturday before a primetime matchup with the Thunder on Sunday and you can expect LeBron to show out as he always does.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
10 months ago
Reaves has had back-to-back games with at least 30 points buoyed by magnificent three-point shooting efforts. He’s 15-of-25 from behind the three-point line over the last two nights. The 26-year-old shooting guard now has at least 30 points in four of his last five games. Reaves has provided third-round fantasy value on the season, but he’s been even better lately. He’s peaking at the right time for fantasy managers.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
10 months ago
Doncic’s 35 points were the most he’s had in a game since dropping 45 points on the Bucks on March 13. The 26-year-old point guard went 10-of-21 from the field including four made three-pointers, but also got the foul line 11 times and made all of his free throw attempts. Doncic only turned the ball over twice and hasn’t had more than three turnovers in a game his last seven times out on the court. He’s closing the season on a high note after a rocky middle of the season that included an injury and trade to the Lakers.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
10 months ago
James has been downgraded from questionable to out for Friday’s game. His absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as the rookie has not been a rotation player when available.
Source: Jovan Buha
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
As expected, LeBron has been upgraded from probable to available. With this being the Lakers’ second game in as many nights, the hope is likely that they can take care of the Pelicans early and get their stars extra rest during the fourth quarter.
Source: Jovan Buha
LAL • Shooting Guard • #9
10 months ago
Absent from the Lakers’ initial injury report for Friday, James is now questionable. His status does not impact fantasy basketball, as the rookie is not in the rotation on most nights.
Source: Daniel Starkang
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
James has consistently appeared on the Lakers’ injury reports since returning from his strained groin, but he has not missed a game. That includes a March 26-27 back-to-back, so fantasy managers should expect to see LeBron on the court.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
While it was mentioned last week that Hachimura would be available for future back-to-backs after sitting out a March 27 loss to the Bulls, that is not the case. He will not play against the Pelicans, likely resulting in Dorian Finney-Smith moving into the starting lineup. Finney-Smith hasn’t been an elite fantasy option, but he’s worth streaming in deep leagues when allowed to start.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
10 months ago
Reaves’ breakout season continued on Thursday, and he added another milestone to his special year. Though it wasn’t enough for the Lakers to get the win, Reaves set a new career-high for three-pointers made in a game. He only had 12 points in their last game against Houston, but Reaves has now scored at least 30 points in three of the Lakers’ last four games. Over the course of the season, he has provided third-round value in nine-cat leagues and has been a first-rounder of the past two months. He will be an intriguing player heading into fantasy drafts next season.
LAL • Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
After missing almost a month of games, it has taken Hachimura some time to get back on track. Thursday’s game was a good step as he had his highest-scoring performance since before the All-Star break. Hachimura has been a solid scoring option for the Lakers this season and has been able to maintain the starting job for most of the year. He doesn’t contribute value in many categories, but the points and efficiency have allowed him to be a decent fantasy option for most of the year.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
James has had a few quieter scoring performances recently, but Thursday ended up being his highest-scoring game in nearly a month. It didn’t start out well, but LeBron scored 25 of his 33 points after halftime, though it didn’t end up being enough for the Lakers to get the win. The loss dropped them to fourth in the West, and they hold a one-game lead over Golden State heading into a matchup with the Pelicans on Friday. After that, they’ll wrap up the week in Oklahoma City on Sunday in a tough matchup.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
James has been upgraded from probable and will suit up in a battle that will have a large impact on the standings out West. The Lakers are currently in third place and only have a two-game lead over the Warriors, who are fifth in the West and hold just a half-game lead over seeds six, seven and eight. The battle for seeding is going to be an exciting one over the final 10 days of the regular season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Power Forward and Center • #14
10 months ago
Kleber, who had surgery to repair a right foot fracture days before being traded to the Lakers, is inching closer to making his debut for Los Angeles. He was a footnote in the Luka Doncic/Anthony Davis swap, but he could end up being an important depth piece for the Lakers in the postseason. It’s unclear how much longer he’ll be sidelined, but if he does return before the playoffs, it will likely be in a limited role.
Source: Mike Trudell
NOP • Shooting Guard • #24
10 months ago
This will be the third game in a row Hawkins has missed with lower back spasms. Antonio Reeves will likely continue to start in his absence while Keion Brooks Jr. sees additional minutes off the bench. Both could be worth streaming in deeper formats.
NOP • C • #50
10 months ago
After playing eight games for the then-shorthanded Mavericks, seven of which occurred before the All-Star break, the undrafted rookie out of Oregon State was waived in early March. Kelley’s signing with the Pelicans could impact how the team utilizes Kelly Olynyk for the rest of the season, as he has been a fixture in the starting lineup for the lottery-bound team. With Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic also in the rotation, there’s no need to add Kelley in fantasy leagues.
Source: Marc Stein
NOP • Center • #21
10 months ago
Missi did not provide much value as a scorer on Wednesday, shooting 3-of-8 from the field. However, the areas where fantasy managers have come to expect solid value are where he was most productive. He’s reached double digits in rebounds in three straight and four of his last five appearances, and the three rejections were the most in a game for the rookie since March 19. Missi’s fantasy value has been low recently, as he’s ranked outside the top 200 over the past two weeks. However, he’s worth targeting for category league managers seeking rebounds and blocked shots, as the Pelicans have two more games on their Week 22 schedule.
NOP • Point Guard, Small Forward, and Shooting Guard • #00
10 months ago
Brown is another Pelicans player who stands to benefit from CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson being ruled out for the rest of the season. He continues to start for the latter and has been an eighth-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. Brown is only rostered in 13 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and he’s worth a roll of the dice, despite the Pelicans’ final two games of Week 22 being played on Friday and Sunday, the busiest days of the week.
NOP • Point Guard • #15
10 months ago
Alvarado finished Wednesday’s game with his second double-double of the season, which was his first since March 9. Rostered in 18 percent of Yahoo! leagues, his fantasy ceiling raised significantly when the Pelicans ruled out CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson for the rest of the season. The good news for fantasy managers is that New Orleans plays two more games during Week 22, so there’s a decent chance they’ll receive solid value by rostering Alvarado.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
James is back on the injury report, but the Lakers have once again listed him as probable. He should be on the court Thursday night for a pivotal matchup in the Western Conference.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Shooting Guard • #24
10 months ago
Lower back spasms will keep Hawkins on the sidelines for a second-straight game. His absence likely means another start for Antonio Reeves and rotation minutes for Keion Brooks Jr. Due to the Pelicans’ many absences, Reeves and Brooks are worth streaming in deep leagues.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
LAL • Forward • #17
10 months ago
Finney-Smith came off the bench Monday against the Rockets, but played 32 minutes in the Lakers’ victory. The 31-year-old small forward was feeling it and made 6-of-11 three-point attempts. Finney-Smith has been regularly playing over 30 minutes of late and should be rostered in deeper formats as long as that continues.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
LeBron didn’t have a huge scoring game, though he hit some clutch free throws to put the game away for the Lakers in the final minute. The 40-year-old small forward added two three-pointers. Since returning from a groin injury, James has struggled a bit in shooting 43 percent from the field against 51 percent on the season. But he just adds so much value in other areas that he’s still returning sixth-round value in nine-cat leagues over the last two weeks. LeBron’s legacy is already cemented as one of the greatest players of all-time, but with his production at this stage of his career, he’s become one of the best “old” players in the history of sports.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
10 months ago
Doncic’s three-point shot has been off lately as he’s 7-of-28 from behind the three-point line over his last three games. It’s a testament to his typical usage that he’s still managed to score at least 20 points in all three of those games. The 26-year-old point guard was just four rebounds and one assist away from a triple-double against the Rockets Monday. Doncic hasn’t committed more than three turnovers in a game in any of his last five games. He’ll break out of his three-point slump, but the lower turnover numbers are a legitimate positive trend.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
As expected, James will be good to go after originally being listed as probable. In a matchup with one of the hottest teams in the league, James should see his typical large workload.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • G • #3
10 months ago
McCollum suffered a right foot bone contusion on March 23, and he won’t suit up again this season. He has already missed the Pelicans’ last three games, and there is no reason for him to play through any ailments since their trying to improve their lottery odds. Jose Alvarado will continue to start at point guard for the rest of the season. The veteran guard returned 10th-round value in nine-cat leagues, declining in essentially every area of his game in his age-33 season. McCollum is entering the final year of his contract with the Pelicans in 2025-26 and will probably only amount to a late-round flier in fantasy leagues.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Power Forward • #1
10 months ago
Williamson has already missed the Pelicans’ last five games, and he will remain sidelined for the final two weeks of the regular season. He suffered a low back bone contusion on March 19, and with New Orleans looking to improve their lottery odds, there is no reason for Williamson to play through any injury. Bruce Brown should continue to start for the rest of the season when available. Williamson suited up for just 30 games this season, providing ninth-round value in nine-category leagues mainly due to a horrific 65.6 percent showing from the charity stripe. It’s possible we see more Williamson trade rumors this offseason after another disastrous season for the Pelicans. He’s under contract through the 2027-2028 season.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • F • #
10 months ago
Brooks Jr. provided a nice boost off New Orleans’ bench to lead his team in scoring while delivering plenty of quality peripherals in the process. Brooks Jr. is one of a handful of Pelicans players who should see big minutes down the stretch of a lost season.
NOP • Point Guard, Small Forward, and Shooting Guard • #00
10 months ago
Brown shot just 1-of-8 from the floor and 0-of-2 from beyond the arc, but he made up for his poor scoring with monster peripheral contributions. Across his last two, Brown has averaged 10.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.5 swats. New Orleans is dealing with a multitude of injuries, which means Brown could be in line for big minutes down the stretch.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
James has played in five straight games following a seven-game absence, and his name has popped up frequently on the Lakers’ injury report. Expect him to play and handle his typical workload in a crucial Western Conference battle.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Shooting Guard • #12
10 months ago
The Pelicans are without Jordan Hawkins for Sunday’s game, as he joins CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson on the sidelines. As a result, Reeves will make his first career start. While the rookie has not provided consistent fantasy value, the opportunity makes him worthy of a look in deep leagues.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Center and Power Forward • #13
10 months ago
Kelly O has played in and started seven straight games for the Pels, and he should see his typical workload with the first five against Charlotte on Sunday.
Source: Pelicans
NOP • Shooting Guard • #24
10 months ago
Initially questionable for Sunday’s game, Hawkins has been ruled out. His absence leaves the Pelicans thin on backcourt options, meaning more playing time for Antonio Reeves and Keion Brooks Jr. While Reeves would be worth a look as a desperation play in deep leagues, neither player qualifies as a must-stream.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Shooting Guard • #24
10 months ago
Initially questionable for Sunday’s game, Hawkins has been ruled out. His absence leaves the Pelicans thin on backcourt options, meaning more playing time for Antonio Reeves and Keion Brooks Jr. While Reeves would be worth a look as a desperation play in deep leagues, neither player qualifies as a must-stream.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
10 months ago
There was concern for some fantasy managers that Reaves would be adversely impacted by LeBron James’ return to the Lakers’ lineup after missing two weeks with a strained groin. This type of performance alleviates those worries as Reaves continues to provide excellent fantasy value, even with James back in the mix. Reaves has provided second-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats since LeBron’s return, and he’s scored 30 points or more in consecutive games for the first time this season. With all the attention opposing defenses must devote to James and Luka Doncic, things have opened up for Reaves, and he’s taken advantage. The Lakers play four games during Week 22, starting with the Rockets on Monday.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
10 months ago
Over the past two weeks, Doncic has provided top-5 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats. While the eight-cat production is unsurprising, Luka’s keeping the turnovers in check has boosted his value in the latter. Averaging 3.8 turnovers per game over the past two weeks, he’s had three or less in four consecutive games, which is his longest streak of the season. If Doncic can continue this trend, fantasy managers looking to close out Week 22 with a league championship will be in an excellent place if they have him rostered.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
10 months ago
It was James’ best performance since returning from a groin injury that sidelined him for two weeks. The 40-year-old recorded a complete stat line in Memphis while shooting a shade under 50 percent from the field. A 43.7 percent shooter from the field, James has been a fifth-round player in eight-cat formats over his last five games. That certainly isn’t terrible, but it is a decrease for someone who has ranked just outside the first round in 12-team formats for most of this season. The Lakers play four games during Week 22, starting with the Rockets on Monday. However, a Thursday/Friday back-to-back against the Warriors and Pelicans will be worth watching when it comes to LeBron’s availability.
NOP • Center and Power Forward • #13
10 months ago
While Olynyk’s case of Achilles tendonosis is a new injury, this is not the first time Hawkins has dealt with lower back spasms. Karlo Matkovic’s minutes would increase if Olynyk cannot play, with the rookie possibly moving into the starting lineup. As for what the Pelicans would do if Hawkins cannot play, Antonio Reeves will likely play additional minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • G • #3
10 months ago
McCollum will miss a third consecutive game with a right foot contusion. Given where the Pelicans are in the standings, there’s no need for him to consider rushing back onto the court. Bruce Brown has taken on a more prominent role within the Pelicans rotation and should be rostered since the Pelicans will also be without Zion Williamson. Jordan Hawkins is also worth a look in deeper leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Power Forward • #1
10 months ago
Zion is set to miss his fifth game in a row with a back injury. Bruce Brown should continue to start in his absence and is turning into a valuable fantasy player as Williamson continues to sit out.
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
10 months ago
No surprise here as Reaves was upgraded to probable early Saturday afternoon. The 26-year-old shooting guard is dealing with a sprained ankle, but will suit up and play without limitations against the Grizzlies.
Source: Ryan Ward
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
10 months ago
Reaves was initially listed as questionable, but he is now expected to suit up against Memphis. He has been playing through this ankle injury despite twisting it multiple times over the Lakers’ last few games. He’ll continue to occupy his spot in the starting unit, which means that Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin won’t be in line for extra minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Guard • #22
10 months ago
After making his first appearance in nearly a month on March 21, Payton has reached double figures in assists in two straight outings. He racked up 14 in a March 24 win over the 76ers and had another 10 against the Warriors. Payton should not be rostered since he isn’t guaranteed to be active. When he is active, the veteran point guard serves as Jose Alvarado’s backup. Alvarado played 27 minutes on Friday, finishing with 10 points, three rebounds, four assists, and one blocked shot. Only rostered in 16 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Alvarado is the player who should be added by fantasy managers needing a point guard at this stage in the season.
LAL • Power Forward • #28
10 months ago
Following an extended absence, Hachimura appeared in three straight games before sitting out Thursday’s loss to Chicago. That game was the second leg of a back-to-back set, and the Lakers will likely manage Hachimura’s knee injury moving forward. He started and logged 28 minutes in his last game out, and fantasy managers should expect a similar workload against Memphis. Dorian Finney-Smith may see a dip in playing time as a result.
Source: NBA Injury Report