
NOP • Shooting Guard • #24
2 months ago
Hawkins is back with the team after a personal matter kept him away for Monday’s win over the Bulls. While his playing time has increased since James Borrego was named interim head coach, Hawkins is not likely to get the minutes he needs to affect fantasy basketball.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

NOP • Small Forward • #14
2 months ago
For the first time since December 2023, Bey has recorded a double-double in consecutive games. In Monday’s victory, he also notched his third 20-point game of the season and has provided unexpected deep-league fantasy value in New Orleans. Usually Zion Williamson’s replacement in the lineup when he’s unavailable, Bey started alongside him on Monday, as the Pelicans are without Herb Jones. With New Orleans having three more games in Week 6, Bey is worth a look in 14-team leagues.

NOP • Small Forward • #25
2 months ago
Murphy has scored at least 20 points in eight of his last 10 games, a stretch in which he’s provided top-20 value in nine-cat formats according to Basketball Monster. Having a healthy Zion Williamson on the court certainly helps New Orleans, but it’s Murphy who has the most varied offensive skill set of the team’s rotation players. Expected to be a top-50 player based on his Yahoo! ADP (42), Trey has been a second-round player so far.

NOP • Power Forward • #1
2 months ago
Three Pelicans starters scored at least 20 points on Monday, with Williamson leading the way. He had a big night at the foul line, making 13 of his 16 attempts, and Zion is shooting 69.3 percent for the season. While that percentage isn’t high enough to prevent Williamson managers from punting that category, it’s nearly four points higher than his 2024-25 mark (65.6 percent). After a slow start to the season, he’s closing in on top-100 value in eight-cat formats, which is good news for those who have Williamson rostered.

NOP • Point Guard • #15
2 months ago
Alvarado was one of the Pelicans’ reserves who gave the team a welcome spark on Monday, and he finished with one of his best stat lines of the season. Alvarado finished two rebounds and two assists shy of a triple-double, with the latter tally representing a new season-high. Jeremiah Fears (15/4/3 with two three-pointers) is the starter and will remain in that role for the foreseeable future, which limits Alvarado’s fantasy value. But he’s capable of chipping in when needed, as was the case on Monday.

NOP • Center • #21
2 months ago
While the Pelicans scored 74 points in the first half, that did not keep interim head coach James Borrego from making a few lineup changes. Missi and Jose Alvarado were inserted into the lineup, with rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen (8/5/4/1/1 in 17 minutes) being bumped to the bench. Missi had his best game of the season, recording a double-double with season-highs in points and rebounds. Add in the blocked shots, and Monday’s effort was a step in the right direction for the second-year center. As long as Queen remains the starter, there isn’t much to gain from rostering Missi right now. But keep an eye on him, as his value may expand during the “silly season.”

DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
2 months ago
Watson has reached double figures in four of his last six starts, first moving into the starting lineup because of Christian Braun’s ankle injury. With Aaron Gordon (hamstring) also out for an extended period, the Nuggets are in a position where they need Watson to be more aggressive on offense. That certainly wasn’t an issue in Memphis, with the 27 points being five shy of his season and career-highs. Watson’s two best scoring nights as a pro have occurred over the last week. Rostered in 22 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Watson is worth adding before Denver’s final two games of Week 6 on Friday and Saturday.

DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Murray and Peyton Watson combined to score 56 points on Monday, as the Grizzlies devoted most of their attention to slowing down Nikola Jokić. Murray has scored at least 23 points in three straight and five of his last six outings, with the scoring being one reason why he’s providing top-25 value in nine-cat formats. He’s exceeding his Yahoo! ADP (36) by a sizable margin, providing fantasy managers with reliable value across multiple categories.

DEN • Center • #15
2 months ago
For just the second time this season, Jokić failed to score at least 20 points. However, it didn’t matter all that much, as Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson combined to score 56 points. The Joker did record his 10th triple-double of the season, with the 16 assists matching his previous high. And with Jokić scoring 17 points, keep in mind that he only attempted nine shots, so the field-goal percentage didn’t take a beating. The Nuggets end Week 6 with a Friday/Saturday back-to-back against the Spurs and Suns.

NOP • Power Forward • #1
2 months ago
Williamson is back after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Hawks, so he returns to the starting lineup. Micah Peavy heads to the bench, where he offers limited fantasy value at best. With Herb Jones still out due to injury, Saddiq Bey will continue to start.
Source: NBA Lineups

NOP • Center and Power Forward • #5
2 months ago
Looney is dealing with a right heel contusion, but is available for Monday’s game against the Bulls. The 29-year-old power forward will have his usual bench role backing up Derik Queen.

NOP • Shooting Guard • #24
2 months ago
Hawkins has played nearly 18 minutes per game since James Borrego took over as the Pelicans’ coach. The 23-year-old guard will be out Monday as he’s dealing with a personal matter. Hawkins’ absence will impact the Pelicans’ rotation, but won’t change much from a fantasy basketball perspective.

NOP • Center and Power Forward • #5
2 months ago
Looney, who has a right heel contusion, played 14 minutes off the bench in Saturday’s loss to the Hawks. If cleared to play on Monday, he’ll take on a similar role, which does not affect fantasy basketball. If Looney sits, DeAndre Jordan may pick up a few minutes backing up starter Derik Queen.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
2 months ago
Jones has a strained right calf, and that’s an injury that can cost a player multiple games. Rookie Micah Peavy moved into the starting lineup for Saturday’s loss to the Hawks, and while the production wasn’t there, he did play 27 minutes. Peavy is only a watchlist player if he gets another opportunity to start on Monday, and that is generous.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, as he is not guaranteed rotation minutes when healthy. Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. will continue to play the minutes available to Denver’s reserve perimeter players.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Gordon suffered a strained right hamstring during Friday’s win over the Rockets. According to Charania, it is a Grade 2 strain, and the Nuggets forward will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. Gordon was already dealing with bilateral hamstring issues, and he played through a strain in Game 7 of last season’s second-round series against the Thunder. Losing Gordon will significantly impact Denver’s rotation, especially with Christian Braun (ankle) already out. Spencer Jones started Saturday’s loss to the Kings but provided minimal value in his 24 minutes on the court. Between his recent play and the absences of Gordon and Braun, now is a good time to hop back onto the Cameron Johnson bandwagon. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 15.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and 2.8 three-pointers while shooting 56.8 percent from the field.
Source: Shams Charania
NOP • Center • #
2 months ago
The Pelicans came out lifeless on the second night of a back-to-back, starting three rookies for the first time this season with Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Herb Jones (back) sidelined, and quickly fell behind by 10 at halftime. Queen was one of the lone bright spots, eclipsing the 20-point mark for the third straight game. New Orleans has dropped nine straight games and sits at a brutal 2–15 on the season. They’ll open a four-game week on Monday against the Bulls before matchups with the Grizzlies, Warriors and Lakers.

DEN • Small Forward • #21
2 months ago
Filling the void left by the injured Aaron Gordon, Jones played 24 minutes on Saturday. As evidenced by the stat line, the counting stats and percentages weren’t good enough to justify streaming him. Bruce Brown (2/3/3 in 27 minutes) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (8/1/1 with one three-pointer in 26 minutes) offer higher fantasy ceilings than Jones despite coming off the bench, but both struggled against the Kings. And with the Nuggets playing three games in Week 6, there’s even less reason to trust any of these players in fantasy leagues.

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #2
2 months ago
After a terribly slow start to the season, Johnson has looked more comfortable in recent games. He’s reached double figures in three of his last four, with Saturday’s performance being Johnson’s best as a Nugget. Still rostered in 75 percent of Yahoo! leagues, he has been a top-100 player in eight-cat formats over the past week. Johnson will look to build on this run when the Nuggets visit Memphis on Sunday.

DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Murray has scored at least 23 points in two straight and four of his last five games. Over the past two weeks, the Nuggets guard has provided third-round value in eight-cat formats. Aaron Gordon’s hamstring injury hasn’t changed Murray’s place within the offensive pecking order, but it does make his role more important. That’s good news for fantasy managers, some of whom may consider selling high on Murray.

DEN • Center • #15
2 months ago
Jokić did what he could to drag the Nuggets to a win on Saturday, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for Denver, the three-time league MVP’s efforts weren’t enough to help the team avoid defeat. Jokić finished with his 15th double-double of the season, and the 44 points were the second-most in a game for him this season. The Nuggets play three games in Week 6, starting with the Grizzlies on Monday.

DEN • Small Forward • #21
2 months ago
The Nuggets lost Aaron Gordon to a strained hamstring during Friday’s win over the Rockets, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Jones, who started the third quarter in Houston, will remain with the starters to begin Saturday’s game. While he’s worth picking up in 30-deep leagues, managers in shallower formats can afford to take a conservative approach to adding Jones.
Source: James Ham
NOP • Shooting Guard • #
2 months ago
The Pelicans are down two starters for Saturday’s game, with Herb Jones and Zion Williamson unavailable. They’ve been replaced in the lineup by Peavy and Bey, with the former making his first start as a pro. Of the two, Bey is the superior streaming option.
Source: NBA Lineups

NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
2 months ago
For the first time this season, the Pelicans won’t have Jones in their starting lineup. Saddiq Bey and Jordan Hawkins are two players whose minutes may increase due to Jones’ absence, with the former offering a higher fantasy ceiling. However, neither player is a must-stream option in this spot.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Due to lower back injury management, Strawther will miss a fourth consecutive game. His absence does not affect fantasy basketball, but it means even more playing time will be available to Peyton Watson and Bruce Brown.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Gordon, who was dealing with some hamstring soreness ahead of Friday’s win over the Rockets, suffered a strained right hamstring during the second quarter. He won’t play on Saturday, and Nuggets head coach David Adelman said following Friday’s win that he expects Gordon to miss some time. While Spencer Jones started the third quarter, Zeke Nnaji is another possibility to replace Gordon in the starting lineup. Nnaji started Wednesday’s win over the Pelicans.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
2 months ago
Jones popped up on the injury report as questionable with a back injury on Saturday afternoon. The 27-year-old small forward is known as one of the best wing defenders in the league, but his offensive struggles persist. Jones is shooting a career-low 39 percent from the field in 16 games so far this season.

NOP • Power Forward • #17
2 months ago
This will be Matković’s third consecutive missed game with a strained calf. With Zion Williamson also out Saturday, expect Derik Queen and Yves Missi to handle the front court duties for the Pelicans against the Hawks.

NOP • Power Forward • #1
2 months ago
Zion played 29 minutes and had 22 points against the Mavericks on Friday. The 25-year-old power forward will sit out the second game of a back-to-back against the Hawks on Saturday with left hamstring injury management. Saddiq Bey should see additional minutes Saturday with Williamson out.

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Gordon left Friday’s game with a strained right hamstring in the second quarter. He was already dealing with hamstring soreness, most recently sitting out the November 19 win over the Pelicans. However, with the strain, Gordon will likely miss time. Spencer Jones started the third quarter, but he hasn’t done enough to merit being streamed. Fantasy managers should focus on Peyton Watson and Cameron Johnson when seeking value in Gordon’s absence.
Source: Vic Lombardi

NOP • Small Forward • #25
2 months ago
Murphy helped New Orleans race out to an early lead in this one as he went off for a game-high 15 points in the first half before cooling off down the home stretch as their lead evaporated for good. The 25-year-old’s name has surfaced in trade rumors recently and he would seemingly be the most impactful non-Zion trade asset for the franchise if they continue their present trajectory and are forced to pivot towards the future. The fact that they gave up next year’s first-round pick over the summer to land Derik Queen in the draft.

NOP • Power Forward • #1
2 months ago
Williamson looked much sharper in his second game back following an eight-game absence earlier this month with a hamstring injury as he shot a robust 78 percent from the floor and got to the free throw line for 11 attempts. The 25-year-old possesses the upside to be one of the most impactful players in the fantasy landscape but persistent injury issues continue to prevent him from reaching his lofty ceiling. He was limited to just 29 minutes in this contest and fantasy managers should expect the Pelicans to keep a governor on his workload for the immediate future.
NOP • Center • #
2 months ago
Queen is showing exactly why the Pelicans paid a king’s ransom to jump back into the first round for him, averaging 17 points, 7.8 rebounds, six assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks over his last four games — delivering fourth-round value for fantasy managers during that stretch. The 20-year-old lottery pick has stepped into a significant role for New Orleans and has topped 20 points in three of his last six outings. He delivered the first double-double of his career in this one, and an unconventional one at that, handing out 11 assists from his frontcourt spot. He’s not going to morph into a fantasy superstar overnight, but the trajectory is unmistakable — his arrow is pointing straight up.

DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
2 months ago
Watson followed up his 32-point explosion against the Pelicans on Wednesday with a bit of a dud. The 23-year-old shooting guard had double-digit rebounds for the second consecutive game, but he only had nine points. Watson only even attempted five field goals after he took 19 shots in the last game. With Christian Braun (ankle) sidelined, Watson is worth rostering, but fantasy managers would like him to be a little more aggressive offensively.

DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
Murray played 40 minutes and provided some scoring opposite Nikola Jokic with 26 points. With Cameron Johnson scoring just nine points and Aaron Gordon leaving after three minutes with a hamstring injury, the Nuggets needed their 28-year-old point guard to step up. Murray backed up his reputation as one of the best scoring point guards in the league. He’s played at a borderline second-round level so far this year.

DEN • Center • #15
2 months ago
Jokić was one assist shy of a triple-double against the Rockets on Friday. The 30-year-old center still had his second game with at least 30 points this week. Jokić recorded two steals and a block on the defensive end while he also made four three-pointers on offense. It’s the third time Jokić has made at least four three-pointers in a game this month. The Nuggets close out the week with a home game against the Kings on Saturday.

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Gordon, who was initially probable for Friday’s game with a sore hamstring, suffered a right hamstring strain during the second quarter. The Nuggets officially ruled him out during the intermission, with Spencer Jones replacing him in the lineup. If Gordon misses time, Peyton Watson and Cameron Johnson will be worth a look. Both are currently in the starting lineup, with the former filling in for the injured Christian Braun.
Source: Denver Nuggets

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Gordon was initially probable for Friday’s game, so the upgrade in status was expected. He’ll occupy his usual place in the starting lineup, with Jamal Murray, Cameron Johnson, Peyton Watson and Nikola Jokić completing the quintet.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther continues to miss time due to lower back injury management, and he isn’t guaranteed to play rotation minutes when healthy. His absence does not impact fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Gordon did not play in Wednesday’s win over the Pelicans, with Zeke Nnaji replacing him in the starting lineup. However, Peyton Watson was the biggest beneficiary, scoring 32 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Nnaji will return to the bench if Gordon plays, likely falling out of the rotation entirely.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • Power Forward • #17
2 months ago
This will now be the second straight game that Matković has missed with a strained calf. The Pelicans’ rotation won’t be overly impacted with Zion Williamson cleared to play.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NOP • Power Forward • #1
2 months ago
Not only did Zion go through a full practice, but he “came in early to get extra work in.” Borrego “said the team still hasn’t determined if Zion will be cleared to play in back-to-backs,” and the Pelicans will also take on the Hawks on Saturday, so the team may be determining which game they’d like him to suit up for. The Mavericks game feels more winnable and, thus, like the more likely game for Zion.
Source: Will Guillory

NOP • Power Forward • #1
2 months ago
Not only did Zion go through a full practice, but he “came in early to get extra work in.” Borrego “said the team still hasn’t determined if Zion will be cleared to play in back-to-backs,” so there is c chance that the Pelicans will hold him out against the Hawks on Saturday.
Source: Will Guillory

NOP • Power Forward • #1
2 months ago
Not only did Zion go through a full practice, but he “came in early to get extra work in.” Borrego “said the team still hasn’t determined if Zion will be cleared to play in back-to-backs,” so there is a chance that the Pelicans will hold him out against the Hawks on Saturday.
Source: Will Guillory

NOP • Small Forward • #25
2 months ago
The Pelicans are just 2-13 and are tied for the second-worst record in basketball; however, they do not control the rights to their own first-round draft pick after the move to trade up and get Derik Queen this past draft. Sidery reports that “rival executives believe the Pelicans could net three first-round picks and multiple high-end prospects in return for Murphy.” That kind of package would be enticing to a team that is at the bottom of the standings with no upcoming first-round draft pick.
Source: Evan Sidery

NOP • Small Forward • #25
2 months ago
Murphy has had at least three turnovers in each over his last four games. The 25-year-old small forward is averaging a career-high 2.1 turnovers this year. Murphy was more aggressive with his three-point shot once again, attempting at least 11 threes for the second time in his last five games. Murphy and the Pelicans will be back on the court against the Mavericks on Friday.
NOP • Center • #
2 months ago
Queen continued to start even with Zion Williamson back in the starting lineup. The 20-year-old center is showing the highs and lows of being a rookie lately as over his last five games he’s had at least 26 points twice and less than 10 points three times. Queen figures to continue to start under interim coach James Borrego, but his play still remains inconsistent.

DEN • Small Forward and Shooting Guard • #8
2 months ago
Watson came out of nowhere to have a tremendous game against the Pelicans on Wednesday. The 23-year-old shooting guard made five three-pointers after only even attempting six threes in his previous four games. Watson certainly has an opportunity to put up better numbers with Christian Braun (ankle) sidelined and now he has momentum coming off a 32-point game.

DEN • Center • #15
2 months ago
Jokić started the week with a 38/18/13 line against the Bulls in a loss on Monday and picked up where he left off with a 28/11/12 line in the win over the Pelicans on Wednesday. The 30-year-old center’s triple-double was his third in a row and ninth of the season. Jokić remains on top of the fantasy basketball world. His next chance for another massive stat line will come Friday against the Rockets.
NOP • Center • #
2 months ago
Williamson is back after an eight-game absence, and he’s part of the Pelicans’ starting lineup. Yves Missi will come off the bench, with Queen remaining in the starting five. That’s good news for fantasy managers who have hoped to see the rookie playing starters’ minutes consistently.
Source: NBA Lineups

DEN • Power Forward • #22
2 months ago
The Nuggets won’t have Aaron Gordon for Wednesday’s game, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. He’ll be replaced by Nnaji, a surprising move since he hasn’t played many rotation minutes this season. He should not be streamed in fantasy leagues, as Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. will likely be more valuable despite coming off the bench.
Source: NBA Lineups

NOP • Power Forward • #1
2 months ago
Williamson is back after missing eight games with a strained hamstring. While he should be back in the starting lineup, fantasy managers should not expect to see him play starters’ minutes in his first game back. Saddiq Bey, who is also available, should remain relevant in deep leagues for the time being.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans

NOP • Small Forward • #14
2 months ago
Bey missed Monday’s game against the Thunder with an ankle injury. Despite being listed as questionable on Wednesday, the 26-year-old small forward is available against the Nuggets. With Zion Williamson also available, the Pelicans are getting two key players back in the lineup.

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, Gordon will not play. Peyton Watson is already starting for the injured Christian Braun, so Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. are likely the best options to step in for Gordon.
Source: Denver Nuggets

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
Gordon wasn’t on the initial injury report, but there is a chance he is sidelined against New Orleans. This isn’t part of a back-to-back, but Denver does have one on Friday and Saturday, so don’t be surprised if Gordon is sidelined for one of those. Peyton Watson is already starting with Christian Braun (ankle) out, so Bruce Brown or Tim Hardaway Jr. would likely fill in for Gordon.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DEN • Shooting Guard and Small Forward • #3
2 months ago
Strawther’s continued absence does not impact fantasy basketball, especially with Cameron Johnson being available. While there may be a few minutes available to Strawther when he returns due to Christian Braun’s ankle injury, that isn’t enough to make him a player worth rostering in fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #2
2 months ago
Having entered Monday shooting 37.2 percent from the field and 21.1 percent from three, Johnson needed a good night in the worst way. Against the Bulls, he shot 5-of-7 from beyond the arc and finished with season-highs in points and three-pointers. This was the first game in which Johnson made at least three three-pointers in a game, and his previous high point total was 15. One game does not make Johnson a player worth rostering in 12-team leagues again, but it’s a step in the right direction.

DEN • Power Forward and Small Forward • #32
2 months ago
One game removed from recording his first double-double of the season, Gordon notched a second on Monday. The negative for fantasy managers is that he did not record any assists, steals or blocked shots, the first time Gordon’s tossed up a bagel in all three categories in the same game this season. Thanks to excellent production in points, rebounds and three-pointers with high percentages, AG is providing top-50 value in nine-cat formats. However, the margin for error is slim due to the lackluster assists and defensive stats.

DEN • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #27
2 months ago
For the first time this season, Murray recorded a points/rebounds double-double, with the other two being of the points/assists variety. The 34 points were the most the Nuggets guard has scored in a game since an October 27 win over the Timberwolves in which he tallied 43. Murray continues to exceed his Yahoo! ADP, ranking within the top-25 in nine-cat formats. It would be unsurprising if he had another big game on Wednesday when the Nuggets visit the reeling Pelicans.

DEN • Center • #15
2 months ago
Jokić had a chance to send Monday’s game to overtime, but his long three-point attempt fell short of the rim as time expired. However, fantasy managers aren’t concerned about the game’s outcome. Jokić recorded his second straight triple-double and eighth of the season. Whether it’s eight- or nine-cat formats, the Nuggets center remains the most valuable player in fantasy basketball. And with the Nuggets visiting New Orleans on Wednesday, Jokić could be in for another huge stat line.