
NOP • G-F • #00
9 months ago
Brown made his second start as a Pelican on Tuesday and was able to have one of his best games since joining the team. His 12 points were his most since January, and the rebound and assist numbers were solid as well. This was Brown’s second start with New Orleans, but it’s unclear if he will remain in this role moving forward. He’s currently rostered in just two percent of Yahoo! leagues, and if he continues to start, he is an intriguing streaming option.

NOP • F • #1
9 months ago
This was just the second triple-double of Williamson’s career, with the first coming less than two weeks prior to this. He was also able to set a new career-high for assists. Williamson has seven games with at least 10 assists, all of which have come since the start of 2024. He has taken massive strides as a playmaker in recent seasons, but his progression has been hidden behind all the injuries. If he can have a healthy 2025-26 season, Williamson will be a fantasy superstar.
NOP • • #
9 months ago
Bamba signed a 10-day deal with the Pelicans on Monday and was thrust into the rotation one day later. It just so happens that his first matchup was against the team that he started the season with that also sent him to Utah, who subsequently waived him, at the trade deadline. Bamba logged 15 minutes off the bench and most of his contribution to the game come on the glass as he missed both of his shot attempts, which were both from beyond the arc. Bamba will only have a chance to provide fantasy value if Yves Missi or Karlo Matkovic were to miss time.

NOP • G-F • #00
9 months ago
McCollum and Zion are back in the starting lineup after sitting out the second leg of the Pelicans’ back-to-back on Sunday. That will push Kelly Olynyk and Jose Alvarado to the bench. Brown also enters the starting unit in place of Jordan Hawkins, who will still play a larger role off the bench.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
9 months ago
No LeBron James (groin) meant even more defensive attention was devoted to Doncic on Monday, and his shot suffered. The Lakers guard shot 32 percent from the field, but he did record his second triple-double since the trade. James will miss at least two weeks, so Doncic’s already-high usage will likely increase. And Austin Reaves (17/8/10/0/1 with one three-pointer) should offer more assistance moving forward, as he shot just 3-of-14 from the field on Monday. The Lakers are off until Thursday, when they face the Bucks in Milwaukee.

LAL • Center • #25
9 months ago
Due to the Lakers being down multiple rotation players, Len received the starting nod in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, it went the way many fantasy managers likely anticipated it going. Len provided minimal value during his time on the court, which was limited to 13 minutes due to his struggles. Jarred Vanderbilt (7/6/2/1 with one three-pointer) played 27 minutes off the bench and may be in for an expanded role for the remainder of the Lakers’ road trip. And if Jaxson Hayes can return from his injury soon, there will be even fewer opportunities for Len. Leave him on the waiver wire.

LAL • Forward • #4
9 months ago
The Lakers were without three starters on Monday (LeBron James, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jaxson Hayes), with Knecht being one of the replacements. The rookie had a productive night scoring-wise, with the 19 points being the most he’s tallied in a game since March 2. The Lakers aren’t active again until Thursday in Milwaukee, the first of three games the team will play to conclude Week 19. Due to the injuries, Knecht, rostered in 15 percent of Yahoo! leagues, will be worth a look in deeper formats.

LAL • Guard • #7
9 months ago
On Tuesday, Vincent was inserted into the starting lineup, as LeBron James was unavailable with a strained groin. He performed well in Brooklyn, making his first five shots and finishing with a season-high 24 points. While fantasy managers should not expect Vincent to consistently have nights like Tuesday, James’ absence will free up opportunities for Gabe to produce offensively. He’s only rostered in one percent of Yahoo! leagues, but the Lakers won’t play again until Thursday in Milwaukee.

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
9 months ago
Doncic has been cleared to play after initially being listed as questionable and eventually being upgraded to probable. Vincent, Knecht and Len will join the starting lineup with LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes and Dorian Finney-Smith all sidelined. This will be Len’s first start as a Laker.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
9 months ago
Doncic appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of Monday’s game against the Nets as he’s been upgraded from questionable to probable with a back injury. The 26-year-old point guard appeared to be bothered by his back during Saturday’s game against the Celtics, though he still played 37 minutes. Fantasy managers can plan on having Doncic in lineups Monday.

NOP • F • #1
9 months ago
Williamson and McCollum did not play in Sunday’s loss to the Grizzlies, with Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins moving into the starting lineup. With Kelly Olynyk (rest) out, Alvarado or Hawkins may remain in the starting lineup on Tuesday. Whichever player starts will enjoy a slightly higher fantasy ceiling. Alvarado is again questionable with a hip injury but has not missed a game.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

NOP • F-C • #13
9 months ago
Olynyk has fit in perfectly with the Pelicans since coming over from the Raptors in the Brandon Ingram trade. The 33-year-old center is worth rostering as long as he’s starting, but the Pelicans are beginning to give him days off for rest as their season winds down. Karlo Matkovic will likely move into the starting lineup and has fantasy appeal as well.

NOP • G • #15
9 months ago
Alvarado is considered questionable ahead of a third-straight game, but he did not miss either of the first two. With CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson removed from the injury report for Tuesday’s game, Alvarado will likely come off the bench if available. Dejounte Murray’s season-ending Achilles tear raised Alvarado’s fantasy ceiling, but coming off the bench minimizes his impact.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

LAL • Center-Forward • #11
9 months ago
Hayes will join LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Dorian Finney-Smith on the sideline, which means Jarred Vanderbilt should start at center. Trey Jemison could see some extra work off the bench with so many Lakers out of action, but Jemison is a risky streaming option.
Source: Jovan Buha on Twitter

NOP • G • #24
9 months ago
Hawkins entered the Pelicans’ starting lineup on Sunday due to CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson being out of the lineup. Unfortunately for fantasy managers hoping his usage would skyrocket, the second-year guard played 24 minutes and only attempted 10 shots. Antonio Reeves (11/2/3 with three triples) played a solid 22 minutes, likely cutting into Hawkins’ opportunities. Hawkins is worth watching for the rest of the season, especially if the Pelicans decide to sit McCollum and Williamson more often.

NOP • G • #15
9 months ago
With CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson out, Alvarado took over the primary playmaker duties on Sunday. The 11 assists were a season-high for the Pelicans point guard, who recorded one steal and two blocked shots. Alvarado didn’t have a good night shooting the ball, as he was 0-of-8 from inside the three-point line, but the assists and defensive stats were solid. New Orleans plays three games without a back-to-back during Week 19, so there won’t be much to gain from rostering Alvarado in most leagues.

NOP • F-C • #17
9 months ago
Matkovic recorded a complete stat line and his second career double-double on Sunday. While the rookie forward/center may not be starting in New Orleans, he’s shown the ability to provide value on nights when the Pelicans are without Zion Williamson. Rostered in eight percent of Yahoo! leagues, Matkovic has provided 15th-round value in nine-cat formats since the All-Star break. That certainly doesn’t scream “must-add,” but the rookie is worth a look in extremely deep leagues.

NOP • F • #25
9 months ago
As expected, Murphy led the way offensively for the Pelicans on a night when CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson were unavailable. The Pelicans wing has been one of the few bright spots in a brutal season, and fantasy managers have benefitted. While Murphy’s fantasy value since the All-Star break hasn’t been elite, he has been a top-20 player in nine-cat formats for the season. How much Murphy plays during the stretch run remains to be seen, but his Yahoo! ADP for next season should be much higher than the 97th spot it was at last fall.

NOP • G • #24
9 months ago
Sunday’s game is the second in as many nights for the Pelicans, so CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson will not play. Alvarado and Hawkins move into the starting lineup, raising the fantasy ceilings of both players. Murphy’s usage should be sky-high as the best scorer in this lineup.
Source: NBA Lineups

NOP • G • #15
9 months ago
Initially questionable for Sunday’s game, Alvarado is available. He’ll be in the starting lineup, which raises Alvarado’s fantasy ceiling. He’s worth rostering in deep leagues due to the Pelicans’ lack of healthy point guards.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

LAL • Center-Forward • #11
9 months ago
Hayes did not play in Saturday’s loss to the Celtics, with Jarred Vanderbilt replacing him in the starting lineup. And even if Hayes returns, Vanderbilt could remain in the lineup since the Lakers will be without LeBron James (groin) and have Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) on a questionable tag. Even with the limited offense, Vanderbilt is worth streaming.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
9 months ago
While his back appeared to be an issue at various points during Saturday’s loss to the Celtics, Doncic still played 37 minutes. With LeBron James (groin) out, the Lakers’ newest star is of even greater importance moving forward. If Doncic cannot play, Austin Reaves’ usage will increase and Gabe Vincent will have a more prominent role.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Forward • #17
9 months ago
Finney-Smith has added importance to the Lakers, as LeBron James (groin) is expected to miss 1-2 weeks. If he’s unable to play against the Nets, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and Jordan Goodwin will all be in the mix for additional minutes. Knecht offers the highest offensive ceiling, but Vanderbilt and Goodwin are superior defenders.
Source: Mike Trudell

NOP • F • #1
9 months ago
Williamson won’t play in the second leg of a back-to-back as usual and McCollum will sit for the first time since the last day of February. There’s no clear replacement for Williamson, but Jordan Hawkins will likely get a chance to step up with McCollum out.

LAL • Forward • #23
9 months ago
James didn’t return after suffering a groin strain against the Celtics and is expected to miss a week a two while he recovers. Dorian Finney-Smith will likely have to do some heavy lifting in the frontcourt while James is out.

LAL • Forward • #23
9 months ago
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin speculated that James could be sidelined for several weeks, not days, following the injury. The 40-year-old has been one of the most durable players in league history throughout his career, but it sounds like there’s a possibility it could be weeks, not days, before he’s ready to return. He’ll presumably undergo additional testing this weekend to determine the severity of the injury. We’ll have additional updates and more information on his status as it unfolds.
Source: Dave McMenamin

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
9 months ago
Doncic’s first quarter was dreadful, as he had a number of bad turnovers and looked out of sorts on offense. He turned things around over the final three quarters to finish with a team-high point total, and he helped the Lakers stage a late, fourth-quarter rally. The Lakers are now 8-3 with Luka in the lineup, and they’ll look to get back in the win column on Monday against the Nets. Doncic could see an expanded role with LeBron James dealing with a groin strain.

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
9 months ago
Doncic’s first quarter was dreadful, as he had a number of bad turnovers and looked out of sorts on offense. He turned things around over the final three quarters to finish with a team-high point total, and he helped the Lakers stage a late, fourth-quarter rally. The Lakers are now 8-3 with Luka in the lineup, and they’ll look to get back in the win column on Monday against the Nets. Doncic could see an expanded role with LeBron James dealing with a groin strain.

LAL • Forward • #23
9 months ago
James suffered a groin strain late in the contest and went to the locker room in the midst of a late rally attempt from Los Angeles. If he’s forced to miss time moving forward, Luka Doncic would see a monster bump in usage, while the team would be forced to utilize a platoon approach to make up for James’ absence.

NOP • G • #15
9 months ago
Alvarado was one of the Pelicans’ lone bright spots in the 29-point loss, as he led the squad in assists and tied for second in scoring. He should continue to see minutes in the low to mid-20s for the foreseeable future.

LAL • Forward • #23
9 months ago
Both players were listed as probable, so their availability isn’t a surprise. Expect the superstar duo to handle their typical workloads against Boston.
Source: https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/referee/injury/Injury-Report_2025-03-08_07PM.pdf

LAL • Center-Forward • #11
9 months ago
Hayes was listed as doubtful earlier in the day, so this update isn’t surprising. Expect Trey Jemison and Jarred Vanderbilt to see additional playing time against the Celtics.
Source: https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/referee/injury/Injury-Report_2025-03-08_07PM.pdf

NOP • G-F • #00
9 months ago
Brown’s absence will leave the Pelicans down a rotation wing, which may mean playing time for Jamal Cain. Cain does not need to be rostered in fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • G • #15
9 months ago
Due to a sore left hip, Alvarado is questionable for Saturday’s game. If he’s unable to play, Jamal Cain may enter the rotation, especially with Bruce Brown ruled out. Cain would not be worth streaming in fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • G • #11
9 months ago
Boston last played in a game on February 8. The 23-year-old shooting guard is set to be re-evaluated in two weeks after suffering a stress reaction in his ankle. Boston’s availability or lack thereof has no impact on fantasy basketball.

LAL • Guard • #30
9 months ago
Goodwin is back after missing three games with a sprained ankle. While Austin Reaves’ availability limits his upside, Goodwin may pick up minutes on the back end of the Lakers’ rotation. However, this is not enough to impact fantasy basketball.
Source: Trevor Lane

LAL • Center-Forward • #11
9 months ago
Hayes suffered a right knee contusion late in Thursday’s win over the Knicks, hence his inclusion on the injury report. While the Lakers have Trey Jemison to absorb some of the minutes if Hayes cannot play, they can also employ center-less lineups thanks to Dorian Finney-Smith (who’s already starting) and Jarred Vanderbilt.
Source: Trevor Lane

LAL • Forward • #23
9 months ago
James has consistently shown up on the injury report this year as he manages a foot injury, but the 40-year-old small forward hasn’t missed many games. Doncic also has made himself consistently available since being traded to the Lakers. Los Angeles should have both of its stars available against the Celtics on Saturday.

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
9 months ago
Doncic started his tenure with the Lakers with a few quiet performances, but he has hit his stride recently. He is back to being an elite fantasy option and has helped the Lakers win eight straight games. Doncic has provided first-round value over the past two weeks with averages of 27.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 2.4 steals and 3.4 three-pointers per game. He has shot 41.4 percent from the floor, so there is certainly still room for improvement, which is scary. Doncic will play in Boston for the first time as a Laker on Saturday to close out the week.

LAL • Forward • #23
9 months ago
Both LeBron and Luka Doncic came close to recording 30-point triple-doubles in this game, but they did both hit the 30-point mark for the second-straight game. The fit between these two superstars this quickly has been impressive and has resulted in eight consecutive wins for the Lakers. James seems to have once again taken a trip to the fountain of youth, and he has provided top five value in nine-cat leagues over the past two weeks. They’ll wrap up the week in Boston on Saturday.

LAL • Guard • #15
9 months ago
After missing Los Angeles’ last two games with a calf strain, Reaves returned to the lineup on Thursday. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to pick up where he left off prior to the injury. Before the game where he injured his calf, he had at least 20 points and five assists in four straight games. This was only the fourth time this season that Reaves scored less than 10 points, and it was the first time that he completed a game and didn’t dish out an assist. It was a frustrating first game back, and perhaps one that portends more rest. If able to play, Reaves will look to bounce back in Boston on Saturday.

NOP • F • #1
9 months ago
Williamson shot a pedestrian 5-of-15 from the field, but he buoyed his scoring total by hitting 10-of-12 shots from the charity stripe. He’s shined since the All-Star break, appearing in six of seven games for New Orleans while averaging a healthy 26/7/6. He’ll be a fantasy force every time he’s on the court, so enjoy this while it lasts.

NOP • F • #25
9 months ago
Murphy III got off to a blistering start, scoring 11 of New Orleans’ first 19 points. He opened the game by bullying Jalen Green for a monster jam and hitting a deep three-pointer. His offense quieted down a bit after that, but his hot start propelled him to a game-high point total. Expect he and Zion Williamson to lead the charge on offense every night for the shorthanded Pelicans.

LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
9 months ago
Both of the Lakers’ superstars were listed as probable once again, so their availability doesn’t come as a surprise. They will look to guide the Lakers to an eighth-straight win on Thursday after combining for 64 points and 21 assists on Tuesday.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Guard • #15
9 months ago
Reaves missed the Lakers’ two previous games, but he will be back to take on New York. His return should push Gabe Vincent back to the bench after averaging 30 minutes across two unproductive starts.
Source: Mike Trudell

LAL • Guard • #30
9 months ago
Initially questionable for Thursday’s game, Goodwin is now out. He’ll miss a third straight game, but the Lakers may welcome back Austin Reaves. Goodwin’s absence will not impact fantasy basketball, especially if Reaves (listed probable) is available.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Forward • #88
9 months ago
Morris’ absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not in the Lakers’ rotation when healthy.
Source: NBA Injury Report

LAL • Guard • #30
9 months ago
Goodwin has missed the Lakers’ last two games with a sprained right ankle. While he may be in the rotation if allowed to play, Austin Reaves is on track to return from his calf injury. There’s no need to roster Goodwin in most fantasy leagues.
Source: Trevor Lane

LAL • Forward • #23
9 months ago
James and Doncic are back on the Lakers’ injury report, although the latter is dealing with a new issue. Luka has a right knee contusion, but the probable tag suggests he will play. James should also be available to play based on the recent trend of him playing after being probable on an initial injury report.
Source: Trevor Lane

NOP • G • #11
10 months ago
Boston has not appeared in a game since February 8, and that will not change on Thursday. His continued absence does not significantly impact fantasy basketball, as Jordan Hawkins and Bruce Brown have absorbed most of the reserve wing minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • F • #25
10 months ago
Regarding fantasy value, only Zion Williamson has been more productive than Murphy among Pelicans players since the All-Star break. While he did shoot 1-of-6 from three, Trey made 50 percent of his attempts from the field overall and provided solid value in the rebounds, assists and steals categories. Murphy has been ranked just outside the top-50 in eight-cat formats since the break, and his availability has not been a concern. That’s good news for fantasy managers, as the Pelicans will play three games in the final four days of Week 18.

NOP • F • #1
10 months ago
Williamson was outstanding on Tuesday, surpassing the 30-point mark for the sixth time this season. He did so on efficient shooting, and fantasy managers likely benefitted from the six assists. Since the All-Star break, Williamson has provided top-50 value in eight-cat formats. If there’s a concern for fantasy managers, it’s that New Orleans ends Week 18 with a Saturday/Sunday back-to-back. Now would be a good time to plan for the likelihood of Williamson sitting out one of those games.
Source: NBA

NOP • G • #11
10 months ago
Announced as available for Tuesday’s earlier in the afternoon, Boston has been ruled out. His absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as the Pelicans aren’t missing any of their higher-profile wings for Tuesday’s game.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

NOP • G • #11
10 months ago
Boston has missed the last eight games with an ankle injury. The 23-year-old shooting guard is available Tuesday, but with CJ McCollum back and it being Boston’s first game in some time expectations should be low for Boston.

NOP • F-C • #13
10 months ago
Did the Pelicans view Olynyk as an excellent fit next to Zion Williamson and Yves Missi when they acquired him from the Raptors? If so, the front office deserves credit for getting him in the Brandon Ingram trade. Olynyk was excellent against the Jazz, scoring 26 points on efficient shooting. With Williamson and Missi on the court, there’s a need for a spacer in the Pelicans frontcourt, and Olynyk fits that role. Olynyk can provide reliable fantasy value as a starter for as long as he’s available.

NOP • F • #1
10 months ago
Williamson still hasn’t reached the point where he’ll be allowed to play both games of back-to-backs, and there’s no need for the Pelicans to change that approach before the end of this season. While availability is an issue, Williamson is an excellent asset to have rostered when he’s on the court. The Jazz didn’t have an answer for him offensively. Since the break, Williamson has been a fifth-round player in eight-cat formats.

NOP • G • #3
10 months ago
After sitting out Friday’s loss to the Suns, McCollum made up for lost time on Sunday. Not only are the 25 points the most he’s scored since the All-Star break, but this was CJ’s first 20-point game since then. With the Thunder focused on the future, fantasy managers will likely need to assume McCollum won’t play both ends of back-to-backs. And New Orleans’ four-game Week 18 concludes with a Saturday/Sunday back-to-back against the Rockets and Grizzlies.

NOP • F • #1
10 months ago
McCollum and Williamson are back after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Suns, which was the second game of a back-to-back. Their returns mean Jordan Hawkins and Bruce Brown head to the bench, where both offer limited fantasy value. However, they will remain in the rotation.
Source: NBA Lineups