
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James is good to go after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Celtics, which was the Lakers’ second game in as many nights. His return means that Jake LaRavia will come off the bench, lowering his fantasy ceiling.
Source: Ryan Ward

NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
about 2 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

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
Initially questionable after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Celtics, James is on track to play Sunday evening. His return would bounce Jake LaRavia to the bench, where he offers limited fantasy value.
Source: Trevor Lane

NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 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.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James did not play in Friday’s loss to the Celtics, which was the Lakers’ second game in as many nights. The fact that he remains on the injury report is somewhat concerning, but James does have a chance of playing. If he can’t, Jake LaRavia will stay in the starting lineup and is worth streaming in deep leagues.
Source: Ryan Ward

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Smart will miss a sixth straight game as he continues to deal with a strained left lumbar muscle. While his absence does not affect fantasy basketball, it means Gabe Vincent will continue to play solid minutes, even with Luka Dončić (personal) available.
Source: Ryan Ward

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić missed the first two games of the Lakers’ road trip, as he was in Slovenia to witness the birth of his second child. His return to the team means that Gabe Vincent will head back to the bench, where he offers limited fantasy value at best.
Source: Dan Woike

NOP • Center • #21
about 2 months ago
After a two-game absence, Missi is available to play on Saturday. His return likely means that Karlo Matković will head to the bench, but this does not affect fantasy basketball. As a starter, Missi is worth streaming in deep leagues while the Pelicans remain without Zion Williamson.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

LAL • Power Forward • #33
about 2 months ago
LaRavia returned to the starting lineup with LeBron James (sciatica) sidelined for the second night of the Lakers’ back-to-back. LaRavia has been effective in previous starts this season, but he wasn’t able to contribute much during his 21 minutes in this game. LeBron should be back to take on the 76ers on Sunday, so LaRavia will return to the bench, which will eliminate the streaming value he held.

LAL • Point Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
With Luka Dončić (personal) still sidelined, Vincent remained in the starting lineup for one more game. He was much better in this one and ended up scoring in double figures for the first time this season. Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the game that Luka should be back soon, and Sunday’s game against the 76ers is a possibility. If he returns, Vincent will head to playing a reserve role, but even if he gets another start, he can’t be relied on to repeat this performance.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
With both LeBron James (sciatica) and Luka Dončić (personal) sidelined, Reaves was the star of the show. That also meant he was the focal point for the Celtics defense to key in on. He started slow, but he was able to finish with a strong, efficient scoring night. Reaves has reached a new level this season, and it has led to a ton of monster performances like this one. He’ll look to stay hot against the 76ers on Sunday, even if LeBron and Luka are back.

LAL • Power Forward • #33
about 2 months ago
With LeBron James unavailable for the second leg of this back-to-back, LaRavia will return to the starting lineup. LaRavia is averaging 11.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 triples across six starts this season.
Source: Dave McMenamin

NOP • Center • #21
about 2 months ago
Missi has missed the Pelicans’ last two games, which has allowed Karlo Matkovic to fill out the reserve center minutes. If Missi remains out, Matkovic will maintain that role, but that hasn’t yielded him enough time to be worth rostering in standard leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #13
about 2 months ago
Poole hasn’t played since Nov. 5, and there’s no real timeline for when he’ll be back. Jose Alvarado will remain the backup point guard, where he has been a solid reserve, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to be worth streaming in standard leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
As expected, James will sit out the second leg of this back-to-back for the Lakers. Jake LaRavia, who played 28 minutes off the bench on Thursday, should start in place of LeBron. Austin Reaves should be in for a big night with LeBron and Luka Dončić (personal) both sidelined.
Source: Brad Turner

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Smart has missed the last four games with a back injury. He’ll continue to sit out as he manages the injury. Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters earlier this week that he expected Smart back soon, but he’s missed two games since that quote and remains without a clear timetable to return.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić is still away from the team for personal reasons after missing Thursday’s game against Toronto. Without the 26-year-old point guard, Gabe Vincent should remain in the starting lineup. Austin Reaves will get a nice usage bump without Dončić as well.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
Lebron finished with just eight points in the win over the Raptors on Thursday, snapping a streak of 1,297 games where he scored at least 10 points. Now the 40-year-old small forward is doubtful with a foot injury for Friday’s game against the Celtics. Gabe Vincent could move into the starting lineup if James is out, but isn’t worth rostering.
NOP • Point Guard • #
about 2 months ago
Rostered in 27 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Fears has been close to a top-100 player in eight-cat formats over the past week. Also, for the first time, the rookie guard has scored at least 20 points in three consecutive games. Fears is making strides after a rocky start to his first NBA season, one of the few positives for a team that is now 3-20. And with backup Jose Alvarado (13/3/1/2 with three three-pointers) doing his best to play through a left wrist injury, there could come a point when the Pelicans ask Fears to do even more as the starting point guard.

NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Make it four straight and five of his last six games in which Bey has scored at least 20 points. Since November 22, only Trey Murphy has been a better fantasy option amongst Pelicans players, with Bey providing top-50 value in eight-cat formats. Zion Williamson (adductor) is out for multiple weeks, and the Pelicans are also awaiting the return of Herb Jones. Rostered in 38 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Bey should be a popular option in more 12-team leagues, even with a light Week 8 schedule due to the NBA Cup knockout rounds.

NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
While Murphy led the Pelicans in scoring on Thursday, he missed all five of his three-point attempts. That ends a streak of 17 consecutive games with at least one three-pointer for the wing, who is averaging 2.9 three-pointers per game on the season. Murphy’s overall stat line was still solid, but it could have been a lot better, especially when considering the 33/15/4 line he dropped on Minnesota in Tuesday’s overtime defeat.

LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
After a solid showing in Monday’s loss to the Suns, Ayton began the Lakers’ road trip with a quality performance against the Raptors. He’s grabbed at least eight rebounds in four straight and seven of his last eight games while averaging 16.3 points and 1.4 blocks per game. There were certainly questions regarding Ayton’s fit with the Lakers before the season began, but he’s answered the call thus far. And fantasy managers have benefited.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
From January 6, 2007, through December 1, 2025, LeBron had scored at least 10 points in 1,297 consecutive games. After being held to 10 points in Monday’s loss to the Suns, the streak came to an end in Toronto. And it wasn’t for a lack of trying, as only Austin Reaves attempted more shots among the Lakers who saw action. However, give James credit for not forcing the issue on the possession, instead finding Rui Hachimura (12/3/0/1 with two three-pointers) in the corner for the game-winning triple as time expired. LeBron will look to snap out of his funk when the Lakers visit the Celtics on Friday.
Source: NBA

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
With Luka Dončić (personal) away from the team and LeBron James struggling with his shot, the Lakers once again looked to Reaves to lead the way offensively. As has been the case many times this season, he answered the call in Toronto. Having scored at least 30 points in four of his last five appearances, Reaves surpassed 40 for the third time this season. He continues to provide first-round fantasy value and has shown no signs of slowing down. For that reason, the “sell-high” window for Reaves should be closed, if it wasn’t already.

LAL • Point Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
The Lakers won’t have Luka Dončić for Thursday’s game, as he is away from the team for personal reasons. Vincent slides into the starting lineup, and while he offers limited streaming value, he’s worth a look for Thursday’s five-game slate. Dončić’s absence will also mean increased usage for LeBron, who struggled to keep his double-digit points streak alive in Monday’s loss to the Suns.
Source: Trevor Lane

NOP • Power Forward • #17
about 2 months ago
Matković has not played since November 17th. He’s only averaging 4.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists; however, with Herbert Jones (calf) now out, Matković could see a slightly increased role.
Source: NBA.com

NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
Jones has not played since November 21st against the Mavericks. Saddiq Bey and Bryce McGowens will continue to see an increase in minutes, and Bey has been a top-60 player in fantasy over his last seven games. He’s available in a lot of formats.
Source: NBA.com

NOP • Center • #21
about 2 months ago
Missi started in place of Zion Williamson on Sunday against the Lakers, but missed Tuesday’s game against the Timberwolves with a sore right foot and ankle. Missi is set to miss another game with his various injuries against the Timberwolves on Thursday. Kevon Looney could see additional minutes, but isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić is away from the Lakers for personal reasons, and Thursday’s game is the first of three that they’ll play on their upcoming road trip. What his absence means for games against Boston and Philadelphia is unknown, but it leaves a massive hole in the Lakers’ lineup. LeBron James and Austin Reaves will see their usage rates increase, which is especially important for the former, given his production in Monday’s loss to the Suns. As for the spot in the starting lineup, Gabe Vincent is the most likely replacement.
Source: Marc Stein

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Smart has missed the last three games with a lower back injury. The 31-year-old shooting guard will sit out again Thursday for injury management reasons. Gabe Vincent could see extra minutes with Smart out, but won’t be viable in fantasy basketball.
Source: Mark Medina

NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
After missing two games with a right elbow injury, Murphy made his presence felt in a big way in his return. He set a new career high for rebounds while scoring at least 30 points for the third time this season. Murphy has been one of the bright spots in a disastrous season for New Orleans, and he’ll continue to be an elite player in fantasy basketball as long as he’s healthy and available.
NOP • Point Guard • #
about 2 months ago
Not many rookie point guards are able to have the offensive success that Fears has had. This was his fifth 20-point outing of the season, and his second in a row, which is the first time he’s scored at least 20 points in consecutive games. Fears’ inefficiency has limited his fantasy output this season, but he has shot over 50 percent from the floor in each of the last two games while turning it over a total of four times.

NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
The report came out Tuesday afternoon that Zion Williamson would be out at least three weeks due to a right adductor strain. That means that Bey’s spot in the starting lineup should be safe for now, and he has made the most of the opportunity. Bey is still available in 65 percent of Yahoo! leagues, which is far too low a number. Over the last six games as a starter, Bey has averaged 20.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.2 three-pointers per game.

NOP • Center • #21
about 2 months ago
Missi is dealing with a sore right foot and ankle and will join Zion Williamson (adductor) on the sideline for Tuesday’s game. While additional rotation minutes may be available to veteran Kevon Looney, he is not a player to roster in fantasy leagues.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Zion popped up on the injury report Tuesday afternoon after not initially being included on it. He had previously been dealing with a hamstring injury, but now it’s the right adductor that will keep him sidelined until at least Dec. 23. Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen should continue to be the main beneficiaries with Zion unavailable for at least a few weeks. Queen should be locked in as a starter for the rest of the season, while Bey should continue to start with Zion out. Bey has averaged 19.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.6 triples over the last five games and is available in 66 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Source: Shams Charania

NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Williamson was off the injury report on Monday evening for his hamstring, but the adductor issue is a new one, suggesting he may sit this one out. Missi is also a late addition to the injury report, and if both he and Zion are forced to sit this one out, Derik Queen and Saddiq Bey should see even higher usage. Micah Peavey and Kevon Looney could soak up some additional minutes off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
Murphy will return following a two-game absence, which means Bryce McGowens (who has played well with increased opportunities) will lose most of his streaming appeal. Hawkins is also back after two games on the shelf, but his return is less meaningful for fantasy managers given his playing time and lackluster production.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
Reaves finished with fewer than 20 points on Monday for just the second time this season. He was efficient both inside and outside the arc, but low volume kept his production down. He also committed five turnovers in his 33 minutes of game action, which was more than the handful of assists he produced. The Suns held several key Lakers in check and ended Los Angeles’ seven-game winning streak. Reaves will have a chance to bounce back on Thursday against the Raptors.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James was one of several key Lakers who couldn’t get going on the offensive end on Monday. He took only 10 shots, had his most inefficient shooting performance thus far, and recorded a season-low in points as a result. The versatile forward had little impact in another area of the game — he failed to grab a rebound, only produced a few assists, and didn’t register any stocks for the game. Overall, it was a forgettable performance from both the Lakers and James. He’ll look to turn the page and bounce back against the Raptors on Thursday.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić was the only Laker to score north of 20 points on Monday, as he more than doubled the next highest-scoring teammate, Austin Reaves, who finished with 16 points. He also led the Lakers in rebounding and finished the game one turnover shy of double digits. The extreme positives surely outweigh the negatives from a fantasy standpoint, as the superstar guard continues to put up the best statistical season of his young career. He’ll have a chance to log his eighth 30-point game in a row against the Raptors on Thursday.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James (foot) will return from a one-game absence and re-enter the Lakers’ starting lineup as they take on the Suns on the second night of a back-to-back. The Lakers currently hold a 15-4 record and find themselves in second place in the Western Conference. They’ve won seven straight and have a chance to extend their streak to eight games with a win on Monday.
Source: NBA Lineups

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Redick said it’s “not a long-term thing.” Monday will be a third straight absence for Smart, but he could end up returning by Thursday to take on Toronto, which would cut into Gabe Vincent’s role.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
Despite banging knees during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win over the Pelicans, Ayton is good to go for Sunday’s matchup with the franchise that selected him first overall in the 2018 draft. As a result, Jaxson Hayes will miss out on an opportunity to start and become a deep-league streaming option.
Source: Daniel Starkand

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James did not play in Sunday’s win over the Pelicans, with Gabe Vincent moving into the starting lineup. Vincent will head to the bench, eliminating what little streaming value he possessed on Sunday.
Source: Daniel Starkand

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
Smart will miss a third straight game with back spasms, freeing up rotation minutes for Gabe Vincent. However, with everyone else available, Vincent is unlikely to get the opportunities needed to impact fantasy basketball.
Source: Daniel Starkand

NOP • Point Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
After making a shot with 3:37 remaining in the fourth quarter, Alvarado reached for his right hamstring. He would then give a foul to exit the game, which may have happened even if he were healthy, as the outcome was no longer in doubt. However, the hamstring could be a concern for the Pelicans’ backup point guard. While Alvarado’s production hasn’t been great from a fantasy standpoint, backing up a rookie (Jeremiah Fears) has made him worth a look in some deep leagues. The Pelicans host Minnesota on Tuesday.
Source: Law Murray

NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Since returning to the Pelicans’ starting lineup on November 22, Bey has recorded four double-doubles in five games. Over the past week, he has provided second-round value in nine-cat formats, stepping up as a reliable option due to the Pelicans’ many injuries. Bey’s place in the starting lineup may be secure until Herb Jones returns from a strained calf, and that may not happen until Week 8 at the earliest. New Orleans plays three games in Week 7, starting with the Timberwolves on Tuesday.

NOP • Shooting Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
With Trey Murphy, Herb Jones and Jordan Hawkins all ruled out due to injury, McGowens had more opportunities to contribute offensively in his second consecutive start. The wing, who’s on a two-way contract, recorded a career-high point total while shooting 50 percent from the field. McGowens’ fantasy value in Week 7 hinges upon Murphy’s availability. If Trey can play against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, there won’t be much to gain from adding McGowens to your roster.
NOP • Point Guard • #
about 2 months ago
While it did not result in a victory, Fears had one of his best games of the season on Sunday. Shooting 50 percent from the field, the rookie guard recorded his fourth 20-point game and finished a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Rostered in 24 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Fears’ fantasy value has been low for most of this season. However, his role as the starting point guard makes him worth the risk in deep leagues. The Pelicans play three games in Week 7, starting with the Timberwolves on Tuesday and Thursday.

LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
Ayton, who missed the Lakers’ November 25 win over the Clippers with a right knee injury, may have aggravated the injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s victory. He banged knees with Derik Queen, and while Ayton returned to the game after the first timeout called to get him off the floor, he didn’t last long before needing to ask for a sub. With the Suns hosting the Suns on Monday, this could be a spot where Jaxson Hayes (8/6/2/0/2 in 21 minutes) receives the starting nod, with Ayton getting the night off. However, Ayton did not sound concerned about the injury while in the locker room after the win, which may bode well for his availability for Monday night.
Source: Law Murray

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
Reaves and Luka Dončić combined to score 67 points on Sunday, and they also shot 23-of-26 from the foul line. Reaves has scored 30 points or more in three straight outings, his most consistent run of the season to date. The lone concern in the short term is the Lakers’ schedule, as they play the second game of a back-to-back on Monday and will have another one later in Week 7. Reaves did play both games of the team’s most recent back-to-back, so there may not be a reason for fantasy managers to worry.

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
The Pelicans could not find an answer for Dončić or Austin Reaves, and that has been the case for many teams this season. The tandem combined to score 67 points, more than shouldering the load as the Lakers played without LeBron James. Dončić has scored at least 33 points in six consecutive games, one reason why he has been the top-ranked player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. The Lakers play four games in Week 7, starting with the Suns on Monday, and they’ve got another back-to-back to navigate later in the week.

NOP • Center • #21
about 2 months ago
Missi will fill in for Zion Williamson as a starter for the second leg of the Pelicans’ back-to-back. Missi had 10 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench on Saturday and should have a good chance to record a double-double as a starter.
Source: Dave McMenamin

NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
Murphy and Hawkins will join Zion Williamson (hamstring) and a number of other players on the sideline for the second leg of New Orleans’ back-to-back set. Bryce McGowens could draw a second straight start, though he finished with an unimpressive 5/4/1/2 line across 26 minutes on Saturday.
Source: NBA.com

NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Williamson will sit out the second leg of New Orleans’ back-to-back set, which means Saddiq Bey should have the green light on offense. Bey has been a strong scorer since joining the starting five, and with Williamson and Trey Murphy (elbow) sidelined, he could be in line for a big game.
Source: NBA.com
NOP • Point Guard • #
about 2 months ago
Fears’ night in San Francisco ended prematurely, as he picked up his second technical foul and was ejected after exchanging words with Jimmy Butler. The back-and-forth happened during the final minute when the outcome was no longer in doubt, so fantasy managers didn’t miss out on too much. While inefficiency has been an issue for Fears, that’s expected of most rookies. The hope for dynasty managers is that this “on-the-job training” will pay dividends down the line.

NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
While Bey’s double-double streak ended at three games, he had another good night for the Pelicans. Over the past week, he’s provided top-25 value in nine-cat formats despite shooting 57.1 percent from the foul line. Starting alongside Zion Williamson, Bey will have value until Trey Murphy or Herb Jones returns from their injuries. And he’s rostered in 29 percent of Yahoo! leagues, so it won’t be challenging to find him on the waiver wire of most leagues.

NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Williamson has scored at least 22 points in three of his last four games. What stands out from his performance on Saturday is the foul shooting. Williamson made 90 percent of his attempts against the Warriors, and he’s shot a respectable 79.5 percent over the past two weeks. While Zion doesn’t have to turn into an elite foul shooter, becoming respectable would do wonders for his fantasy value. The Pelicans play three games in Week 7, starting with the Timberwolves on Tuesday.

NOP • Shooting Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
The Pelicans are without Trey Murphy for Saturday’s game, as he sits with a sore right elbow. McGowens will fill the resulting void, giving him a shot at achieving fantasy relevance. However, managers should not feel obligated to stream him, as the wing is making his first start as a Pelican.
Source: NBA Lineups

NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
Murphy is dealing with elbow soreness in his shooting arm, which will hold him out against Golden State. Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens should see a bump in minutes with Murphy with Jordan Hawkins also sidelined, though neither will become “must-stream” players.
Source: Will Guillory