
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

CHA • Point Guard • #25
10 months ago
Sunday’s start was the sixth for Simpson since the Hornets ruled LaMelo Ball (wrist, ankle) out for the rest of the season. While the rookie’s fantasy prospects for next season don’t appear promising, these games allow KJ to show he can potentially serve as Ball’s backup. Sunday’s performance was arguably his best of the season, with Simpson tallying a season-high 18 points. Rostered in two percent of Yahoo! leagues, KJ has provided ninth-round value in eight-cat formats over his last six games.

CHA • Center • #5
10 months ago
After missing Friday’s loss to the Kings, Williams was back in the starting lineup on Sunday. He held his own in the matchup with Nikola Vucevic, falling one rebound shy of a double-double while shooting well over 50 percent from the field. While the Hornets play four games during the final week of the regular season, it begins with a Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back. Williams managers whose leagues will be active should plan for him missing one of those games. As a result, Jusuf Nurkic (18 points, three rebounds, one block and two three-pointers in 16 minutes) could make another start before the season ends.

CHA • Guard • #12
10 months ago
Okogie and Williams will replace DaQuan Jeffries and Jusuf Nurkic for Sunday’s game. It’s unclear how much Okogie will play, but Williams should carry his usual starter workload.

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

CHA • Center • #5
10 months ago
Williams was a late scratch for Friday’s loss to the Kings, with his absence opening up a place in the starting lineup for Jusuf Nurkic. However, Williams’ absence was more impactful on Moussa Diabate, who recorded a double-double off the bench. As for Smith, Seth Curry has been the starter for the games he has missed, and that would remain the case if the second-year guard remains out.
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.

CHA • Center • #14
10 months ago
The Hornets played Friday’s game without Mark Williams. And while Jusuf Nurkic (eight points, eight rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot in 24 minutes) was his replacement in the starting lineup, the change also freed up additional opportunities for Diabate. The third-year big man took advantage, recording his seventh double-double of the season and his first since March 8. Given Williams’s injury history, Diabate will have a few more opportunities before the season ends.

CHA • Point Guard • #25
10 months ago
Simpson has started Charlotte’s last five games, reaching double figures in points on three occasions. During this period, the rookie point guard has averaged 11.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 three-pointers while shooting 39.3 percent from the field. While that has only been good for 13th-round value in eight-cat formats, the opportunity makes Simpson worth a look for deep-league managers desperate for an available point guard. The Hornets end Week 22 at home against the Bulls on Sunday.

CHA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #0
10 months ago
At this stage in the season, Bridges is Charlotte’s only healthy fantasy-relevant player. While he did score a team-high 22 points against the Kings, the Hornets forward had a rough night shooting the basketball. Bridges was 2-of-11 from beyond the arc, which did a number on his overall field-goal percentage. Over the past two weeks, Miles has provided 10th-round value in eight-cat formats and is ranked outside the top 150 in nine-cat. Charlotte ends Week 22 with a home game against the Bulls on Sunday.

CHA • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #30
10 months ago
Curry has dealt with knee and back issues lately, but is set to start for the Hornets against the Kings Friday. Gibson, who was probable with an illness, could have a bigger role Friday with Mark Williams out, but isn’t fantasy-relevant at this point in his career.
Source: Owen O’Connor

CHA • Center • #5
10 months ago
A late addition to the Hornets’ injury report, Williams will not play, and his absence is more impactful than Smith’s regarding fantasy basketball. Jusuf Nurkic will likely move into the starting lineup, and Moussa Diabate should also have more minutes available. As for Smith, he did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Pacers, resulting in Seth Curry moving into the starting lineup. Curry should retain that role against the Kings.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Center • #5
10 months ago
Williams was initially listed as probable, but has since been downgraded to questionable with thoracic muscle spasms just hours before game-time. It’s looking like he might be on the wrong side of questionable Friday. If that’s the case, Jusuf Nurkic is likely to start and is worth streaming consideration.
Source: Hornets PR

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.

CHA • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #30
10 months ago
Both players should be good to go against Sacramento, though Gibson’s place in the rotation isn’t as significant with both Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic available. Curry has been starting for Charlotte and should remain in that role despite lower back tightness.
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR

CHA • Shooting Guard • #8
10 months ago
Smith Jr. missed Wednesday’s game against Indiana and could miss another. Both DaQuan Jeffries and Josh Okogie took on extra minutes off the bench with Smith Jr. sidelined and could take on even more minutes with Josh Green sidelined if Smith Jr. misses another game.
Source: Charlotte Hornets PR

CHA • Center • #5
10 months ago
Williams has been managing a foot issue that’s caused him to miss a few games in recent weeks, but is now on the injury report with a back injury. It doesn’t appear to be serious as he’s listed as probable and thus is likely to play against the Kings.

CHA • Shooting Guard • #10
10 months ago
Green left Wednesday’s game against the Pacers in the first with a shoulder injury and it appears the injury will linger, keeping him out Friday against the Kings. DaQuan Jeffries will likely continue to fill in for Green.
CHA • • #
10 months ago
Sims, who went undrafted in 2022, has played well over the last three seasons for the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s G League affiliate. He has averaged 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 49 appearances for them this season and will now get the chance to finish the season with the Hornets, since this contract will take him through the regular season finale. He may get the chance to make his NBA debut against the Kings on Friday.
Source: Hornets PR

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.

CHA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #0
10 months ago
Bridges played just 24 minutes in the Hornets’ 14-point loss. The 27-year-old small forward is the primary offensive option for Charlotte with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller sidelined. Bridges was efficient with 18 points on 10 shots including two made three-pointers. He’s scored at least 20 points in just three of his last nine games, but should have a higher scoring ceiling as the No. 1 option for the Hornets.

CHA • Center • #5
10 months ago
Williams once again had no production on the defensive end, but was efficient on offense and pulled down over 10 rebounds. The 23-year-old center isn’t a one-trick pony, but his skillset is limited to scoring and rebounding. He’s quite valuable in those areas, though. The main drawback for Williams and his fantasy managers is that he continues to manage a foot injury that won’t go away before the end of the regular season.

CHA • Shooting Guard • #10
10 months ago
Green had three points in eight minutes before a shoulder injury knocked him out for the rest of the game in the first half Wednesday against the Pacers. The 24-year-old small forward will likely be replaced by DaQuan Jeffries in the second half. It’s unclear how severe the injury is or if it will impact Green’s availability going forward.
Source: Hornets PR

CHA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #0
10 months ago
Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, Bridges is officially available. He’ll take his usual place within the starting lineup, and Bridges’ availability also means Tidjane Salaun will miss out on an increase in his playing time.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Shooting Guard • #8
10 months ago
Smith Jr. was downgraded to questionable Wednesday afternoon and subsequently ruled out with a left ankle injury. Taj Gibson is also out with an illness. With Smith Jr. out, DaQuan Jeffries and Josh Okogie figure to take up the vacated minutes.
Source: Hornets

CHA • Point Guard • #1
10 months ago
Ball underwent successful procedures on his right ankle and right wrist early this week. Unfortunately, injuries have been a significant factor in the Hornets guard’s career, as he’s surpassed 55 games once in his first five seasons. While Ball does possess a high fantasy ceiling, the injury woes make him challenging to trust in most leagues. Some managers may be willing to use a top-50 pick on him in the fall, while others would prefer to leave that dice roll to someone else.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #0
10 months ago
Bridges and Gibson are dealing with illnesses ahead of Wednesday’s matchup. Tidjane Salaun could get some extra burn if Bridges misses time. Gibson’s status shouldn’t affect fantasy basketball, though.

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

CHA • Shooting Guard • #8
10 months ago
While Smith is on the Hornets’ initial injury report for Wednesday, the probable tag suggests he’ll be available to play. The second-year guard has some off the bench the last four games, serving as DaQuan Jeffries’ backup. That’s unlikely to change if Smith is available on Wednesday.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Shooting Guard • #10
10 months ago
Green missed Sunday’s game with soreness in his left shoulder, but returned to the starting lineup Monday against the Jazz. The 24-year-old small forward played 26 minutes in the four-point victory. Green had a good shooting night, including making all three of his three-point attempts. He’s not much of a fantasy asset until he becomes a more consistent volume scorer, though.

CHA • Center • #5
10 months ago
Williams returned to the lineup after missing Sunday’s game with a foot injury that he continues to manage. The 23-year-old center was incredibly efficient on offense and hit his only two free throws. He had no production on the defensive end, but was excellent otherwise. Williams has been very effective this year, but how the Hornets are managing his injuries has continued to limit his fantasy value.

CHA • Power Forward and Small Forward • #0
10 months ago
Bridges led the Hornets in the win over the Jazz Monday with LaMelo Ball out. The 27-year-old small forward was just two assists away from a triple-double. He was efficient on offense and made three of his six attempted three-pointers. Bridges has had at least 10 rebounds in three of his last seven games. He’d had at least 20 points in just two of his last seven games entering play Monday, but has a higher scoring ceiling with Ball sidelined.

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

CHA • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #30
10 months ago
Both Curry and Green will be back in the starting lineup after missing Sunday’s game against New Orleans. DaQuan Jeffries will be pushed back to playing a reserve role, while Josh Okogie, who started in place of Green on Sunday, is out with a hamstring injury.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

CHA • Shooting Guard • #10
10 months ago
Green missed Sunday’s game against the Pelicans but will be back in the lineup to take on Utah. Josh Okogie started in place of Green but will miss the second leg of Charlotte’s back-to-back, which means Green will simply return to his normal spot in the starting unit.
Source: Charlotte Hornets

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.

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

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.

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.

NOP • Center • #21
10 months ago
Missi has grabbed 10 rebounds in three of his last five outings, recording two double-doubles. However, providing value in three categories, points, rebounds and blocked shots, limits the rookie center’s fantasy ceiling. Over the past two weeks, Missi has been ranked outside the top 150 in eight- and nine-cat formats. At this point, he is essentially a specialist for managers needing production in specific categories, with Kelly Olynyk (6/6/2/2) being the superior option despite playing poorly against the Warriors. The Pelicans host the Hornets on Sunday in their final game of Week 21.

NOP • Point Guard, Small Forward, and Shooting Guard • #00
10 months ago
The stat line Brown recorded on Friday was what fantasy managers grew accustomed to during his time with the Nuggets, even if this performance came in a losing effort. The Pelicans were without CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson, and those absences boosted Brown’s usage. How valuable he is for the rest of the season comes down to his availability and that of fellow vets McCollum and Williamson. On Sunday, the Pelicans host the Hornets in a matchup of lottery-bound teams, which sets up well for Brown regarding fantasy value.

NOP • Shooting Guard • #24
10 months ago
Hawkins exited early from Monday’s game against Philadelphia after playing 24 minutes as a starter. However, it won’t keep him out against Golden State. There is certainly a chance that Hawkins gets another starting nod, and he was able to tie his season-high with 25 points off the bench on Sunday. It has been a rough season for Hawkins, but he may get the chance to finish on a high note.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • Point Guard, Small Forward, and Shooting Guard • #00
10 months ago
Brown sat out on Monday, which was the second night of a back-to-back. He’ll be back after a one-game absence, and with Zion Williamson (back) still sidelined, Brown should continue to start. Keion Brooks Jr. got the nod on Monday but will return to playing a reserve role.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • Power Forward • #1
10 months ago
This will be a fourth-straight absence for Zion, and with Bruce Brown off the injury report, he should continue to start in place of Williamson. Keion Brooks Jr. got the nod in New Orleans’ last game, but he will likely return to a reserve role with Brown back.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • G • #3
10 months ago
McCollum will miss Friday’s game with a right foot contusion. Jordan Hawkins figures to see increased minutes in the absence of the 33-year-old shooting guard and could move into the starting lineup.
Source: Rod Walker