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Angeles Lakers
16-10|L10: 8-2
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Orleans Pelicans
3-21|L10: 1-9
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NOP • • #
11 days 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 • F • #2
11 days 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
LAL • Center • #2
11 days ago
Ayton remained at home due to an illness, but he will travel with the team for Sunday’s road game against the Jazz. He’s only missed one game this season, a November 2 win over the Heat, with Jaxson Hayes filling the void in the starting lineup. Hayes played 15 minutes off the bench in Tuesday’s win over the Jazz, and he’ll be a deep-league streamer at best if Ayton doesn’t play in Sunday’s rematch.
Source: Khobi Price
NOP • F • #2
11 days 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 • F-C • #17
11 days 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 • F • #1
11 days 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.
NOP • F • #25
12 days 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 • F • #1
12 days 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 • • #
12 days 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.
NOP • F-C • #17
13 days 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 • F • #1
13 days 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 • F • #1
13 days 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 • F • #1
13 days 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 • F • #25
13 days 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 • F • #25
14 days 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 • • #
14 days 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.
NOP • • #
14 days 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
NOP • F • #1
14 days 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 • Guard-Forward • #14
14 days 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.
LAL • Forward • #23
15 days ago
After missing the first 14 games of the season with sciatica, LeBron was finally able to make his debut for his 23rd season in the NBA. He played just under 30 minutes, which was enough time for him to record a double-double. His first game couldn’t have gone much better for the team, but for managers that were expecting his typical dominance, they’re going to have to exercise patience. It was only his first game, and he didn’t force much. He facilitated well, but he only took seven shots; LeBron didn’t take fewer than 10 shots in a game all of last season. The Lakers are playing well, so they’ll take the gradual approach of working James into the rotation. Luka Dončić will run the show, but James will still have plenty of chances to dominate fantasy basketball as the season progresses. Even at 40 years old, he’s going to make a huge impact in the box score. For now, it’s just a breath of fresh air that he’s back out on the floor.
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
15 days ago
All eyes were on LeBron James’ season debut, but that didn’t stop Luka from being Luka. He followed up his 41-point night on Saturday by nearly matching that total in this one while still recording a double-double. LeBron was back and had the ball plenty, but Luka ran the show. There shouldn’t have been any worries about James limiting Dončić, but it’s clear that he isn’t going to come in and syphon usage. This is Luka’s team, which is a great sign for fantasy managers.
LAL • Guard • #15
15 days ago
Any concerns about the return of LeBron James limiting Reaves can be put to rest. His production may look different, but he’s going to continue to be featured heavily on offense. LeBron had 12 assists and and Luka Dončić had 10, and while it has only been one game, it seems like Reaves is going to take a hit in assists. However, he’s still going to see plenty of shot attempts, and he likely won’t continue to only have on assist.
LAL • Center • #2
15 days ago
For the third game in a row, and for the sixth time this season, Ayton was able to record a 20-point double-double. He has had an excellent year, and the debut of LeBron James didn’t negatively impact his usage. Ayton has been active on the glass, and they’re feeding him the ball. Both are signs that this level of production will continue, and that this lineup can continue to have success.
LAL • Forward • #23
15 days ago
Obviously, LeBron’s season debut after missing time with sciatica is the most significant change to the Lakers’ lineup. However, it isn’t the only one. Hachimura is also back after missing the November 15 win over the Bucks. Due to the availability of James and Hachimura, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James head to the bench. While LaRavia is guaranteed to be in the rotation, Bronny is not.
Source: NBA Lineups
LAL • Forward • #23
15 days ago
The Lakers will be fully healthy for the first time this season. LeBron will likely replace Marcus Smart in the starting lineup, though Smart should still play a significant role off the bench. Since it will be LeBron’s first game of the year, head coach JJ Redick will likely keep an eye on his minutes. If he’s feeling fine, don’t be surprised if James plays a significant role, though the expectation should be that he plays between 25-30 minutes, which is more than enough time for him to flood the stat sheet.
Source: Shams Charania
NOP • F-C • #17
15 days ago
Matković strained his right calf during Monday’s loss to the Thunder and will miss at least one game. The Pelicans started Derik Queen and Yves Missi together against Oklahoma City and could stick with that tandem on Wednesday if Zion Williamson (hamstring) cannot play.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Guard-Forward • #14
15 days ago
Bey did not play in Monday’s loss to the Thunder, with Yves Missi replacing him in the starting lineup. Karlo Matković strained his calf during the contest and will not be available on Wednesday, leaving New Orleans down another option at the four. If Bey can’t play, the Pelicans will cross their fingers that Zion Williamson can. Having missed the last eight games with a hamstring injury, he is also questionable.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • F • #1
15 days ago
Williamson has missed the Pelicans’ last eight games, most recently sitting out Monday’s loss to the Thunder after being a game-time decision. With Karlo Matković out and Saddiq Bey also questionable, the Pelicans may have to call on rookie Micah Peavy to play extended minutes if Williamson can’t play against the Nuggets. Peavy would not be a must-stream player if this happened.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Forward • #23
15 days ago
James went through his first team practice on Monday, and he came away without any setbacks. In his first game of the season, expect James to see a minutes restriction. Fantasy managers should get him into lineups if possible and keep an eye on his playing time. The Lakers don’t play again until Sunday, so King James will have plenty of time to rest up after Tuesday’s debut.
Source: Shams Charania
NOP • • #
16 days ago
Fears’ 24 points are the most he’s had in a game so far in his rookie season. The 19-year-old point guard has only eclipsed 20 points in a game one other time, against the Nuggets on October ninth. While Fears hasn’t done the best job of converting his minutes into points so far, he’s in line to continue to see big minutes while Jordan Poole is out. Fears has to be rostered in deeper formats based on his role alone, let alone his rookie upside.
LAL • Guard • #7
16 days ago
LeBron James isn’t the only injured Laker who could be back on the court Tuesday night. Vincent is also considered questionable, but his availability is not as impactful on fantasy basketball. There’s no need to roster Vincent in most leagues, especially with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart available.
Source: Ryan Ward
NOP • C • #21
16 days ago
The Pelicans remain without Zion Williamson, and Saddiq Bey is also unavailable for Monday’s game. As a result, Missi returns to the starting lineup and will play alongside Queen, who shifts to the four. The move makes sense, as the Pelicans have to account for Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. The lineup change gives Missi some value in deep leagues, but he is not a must-stream player.
Source: NBA Lineups
NOP • Guard-Forward • #14
16 days ago
A late addition to the Pelicans’ injury report, Bey joins Zion Williamson on the sideline for Monday’s game. Karlo Matković may be the player most likely to move into the starting lineup, and he would be worth streaming in deep leagues if allowed to start.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • F • #1
16 days ago
Williamson has been downgraded from questionable to out, and the Pelicans will also be without Saddiq Bey, who has been the replacement in the starting lineup. Karlo Matković may be the next man up, and he’s worth streaming in deep leagues if allowed to start.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Guard-Forward • #14
16 days ago
With Zion Williamson being a game-time decision, the last thing the Pelicans needed was another frontcourt injury. Absent from the initial injury report, Bey is now questionable due to a sprained left ankle. How his absence would affect fantasy basketball depends on Williamson’s availability. If Zion can play, there won’t be a player worth streaming to account for Bey’s absence. However, if neither plays, Karlo Matković’s opportunities may increase out of necessity.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • F • #1
16 days ago
Williamson received a questionable tag for Sunday’s matchup with Golden State, but he ultimately sat that one out. New Orleans may choose to get him back in the lineup for the second half of New Orleans’ back-to-back set, but even if he plays, he may face a minutes restriction. Saddiq Bey remains a hold given Williamson’s extensive injury history, but Bey’s fantasy value will take an obvious hit one Zion is back.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • G • #15
17 days ago
Alvarado matched his season-high point total on Sunday, scoring in double figures for the third time and for the first time since November 5. Just as encouraging was his logging a season-high 25 minutes in James Borrego’s first game as interim head coach. Alvarado still isn’t at the point where he has to be rostered in fantasy leagues. Still, consistent playing time would make him worth watching, especially as the Pelicans continue to play without Jordan Poole. Starting point guard Jeremiah Fears also played 25 minutes on Sunday, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot. He should be the priority for deep-league managers, but keep an eye on Alvarado as well.
NOP • • #
17 days ago
Queen made his first NBA start on Sunday, replacing Kevon Looney (DNP-CD) in the lineup. The rookie may have only committed one turnover, but he struggled with the Warriors’ defenders, most especially Draymond Green. Queen recorded solid rebound, assist and blocked shot numbers, but many fantasy managers were hoping for more scoring. He’ll look to bounce back on Monday when the Thunder visit in what will be another challenging matchup for Queen and the Pelicans.
NOP • F • #25
17 days ago
Other than the game’s outcome, the only negative for Murphy was the five turnovers. He’s only averaging 2.1 per game for the season, so fantasy managers don’t need to be concerned there. At this rate, the biggest concern for Murphy managers is a potential shutdown later in the season, because the 2-11 Pelicans don’t look like a team capable of crawling out of this hole, especially in the Western Conference. New Orleans begins a four-game Week 5 at home against the Thunder on Monday, and they’ll have another back-to-back at the end of the week on Friday and Saturday.
LAL • Forward • #23
17 days ago
This jives with a previous report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that LeBron would rejoin the Lakers at practice next week. James participated in multiple practices with the organization’s G League affiliate earlier this week. Assuming he makes it through practice without issue, the Lakers’ next game is against the Jazz on Tuesday.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
18 days ago
The Lakers raced out to a commanding 63-34 halftime lead thanks to a 21-point first-half eruption from Dončić, who knocked down six of 13 shots — including three from beyond the arc — while also converting six free throws. He eclipsed the 40-point mark for the fourth time this season with three minutes remaining when he got to the line for his 20th free throw of the contest. It was an impressive all-around, stat-stuffing effort on the second night of a back-to-back following Friday’s win over the Pelicans. The 26-year-old generational talent is averaging 34.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 0.6 blocks through 10 games this season. The Lakers are hopeful LeBron James (sciatica) will be ready to make his season debut Tuesday against the Jazz back in Los Angeles when they return to action.
LAL • Guard • #15
18 days ago
Reaves has topped 20 points in three of four games since returning from a three-game absence earlier this month due to a groin injury. The 27-year-old guard has looked like an excellent complementary scorer and playmaking facilitator this season with LeBron James (sciatica) sidelined, averaging 28.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.4 steals through 11 games.
LAL • Center • #2
18 days ago
Ayton torched the Bucks for 16 first-half points, draining seven of 10 shots from the field, while also pulling down six rebounds as the Lakers built a 31-point advantage at the half. He scored just four more points in the second half, but his early outburst was enough to help power the Lakers to their 10th win in 14 games to start the year. He’s outperformed conservative expectations so far, averaging 16.2 points and 8.4 rebounds through 13 contests in his Los Angeles debut.
LAL • Guard • #9
18 days ago
With Rui Hachimura (calf) and Marcus Smart (illness) both sidelined against Milwaukee, James and LaRavia will enter the starting unit. This will be the first start of the season for Bronny, while LaRavia has been in and out of the opening lineup all season. LaRavia should be the better streaming option for fantasy managers.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Guard • #36
18 days ago
With Smart unavailable, Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht should take on extra minutes, with one of them sliding into the starting lineup. Rookie Adou Thiero could also make his NBA debut with Smart out. He won’t play enough to be worth streaming, but he’s worth keeping tabs on.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
18 days ago
Dončić and Reaves played 40 and 39 minutes, respectively, in Friday’s win over the Pelicans. However, despite the heavy workload and the time missed earlier this season due to lower-body injuries, neither player is on the initial injury report for Saturday night. The Lakers’ upcoming schedule may be a factor, as they play only two games over the seven days following Saturday’s game against the Bucks.
Source: Daniel Starkand
LAL • Guard • #36
18 days ago
Smart is dealing with a viral illness, hence his appearance on the injury report after playing 34 minutes in Friday’s win over the Pelicans. While there would be more minutes available to Dalton Knecht, he’s not worth the streaming risk if Smart sits.
Source: Daniel Starkand
LAL • Forward • #28
18 days ago
Hachimura, who played 35 minutes in Friday’s win over the Pelicans, is dealing with a sore left calf. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt being potential replacements. Of the two, LaRavia offers the higher fantasy ceiling, even if he remains with the bench unit.
Source: Daniel Starkand
LAL • Forward • #23
19 days ago
While the Lakers were on their current road trip, which ends on Saturday in Milwaukee, James practiced with the team’s G League affiliate on Wednesday and Thursday. The second session included some 5-on-5 work, after which James felt no ill effects. According to McMenamin, there’s a chance that LeBron rejoins the Lakers for practice on Monday, provided no issues arise over the weekend. Following Saturday, the Lakers don’t play again until Tuesday against the Jazz in the first of two games on the team’s Week 5 schedule (the second is at Utah on November 23).
Source: ESPN
LAL • Center • #2
19 days ago
Domin-Ayton made an appearance in this game early on, which led to him recording a double-double before halftime. This was Ayton’s fourth 20/10 double-double this season, but this one was far more efficient than the rest. Ayton has been inconsistent, but he has had some really good games as a Laker so far. If he continues playing this well, they’ll be a difficult team to beat.
LAL • Guard • #15
19 days ago
Reaves got off to a blazing hot start to open the year, but after missing three games with a groin injury, he cooled off. However, he got back to being a dominant offensive force in this one. Reaves shot at least 50 percent from the floor in each of his first four games and followed that up by shooting below 50 percent five straight games entering this one. Lakers coach JJ Redick said he expects Reaves to be available against the Bucks on Saturday, but considering the groin injury, it’s worth checking back here for updates.
Source: Dan Woike
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
19 days ago
Dončić was excellent early on in this game and fell one assist shy of entering halftime with a double-double. Unfortunately, he didn’t add much after the break, which led to an underwhelming night to Dončić’s lofty standards. He opened the year with three straight 40-point outings, but he hasn’t been as dominant as a scorer recently. It’s worth noting that he hasn’t played both legs of a back-to-back this season, so check back for an update on his status ahead of Saturday’s game against the Bucks, though Lakers Coach JJ Redick said he expects him to be available.
Source: Dan Woike
LAL • • #
19 days ago
Thiero will be available to make his NBA debut, though it is unclear how large of a role he’ll have after dealing with a knee injury for nearly two months. He’s an athletic defender, but he probably won’t make much of a fantasy impact early on.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • • #
20 days ago
Thiero has yet to make his NBA debut, but Lakers coach JJ Redick said that he hopes that will happen during this road trip, which will end in Milwaukee on Saturday. If Thiero isn’t able to play against New Orleans, he could be available against the Bucks, though his role will likely be minimal in both.
Source: Jovan Buha
LAL • Forward • #4
21 days ago
Knecht did most of his damage when the outcome was no longer in doubt, shooting 4-of-5 from the field in the fourth quarter, including three three-pointers. The second-year wing has not been much of a factor this season, and that’s with LeBron James sidelined by sciatica. With the future Hall of Famer closing in on a return to action, Knecht may fall out of the rotation entirely before the end of the month. There’s no need to roster him in any redraft leagues, while those competing in dynasty formats may want to hold onto Knecht.
LAL • Guard • #15
21 days ago
Wednesday’s game may go down as Reaves’ worst of the season by the time we hit April. Like Luka Dončić, finding spaces in which to operate proved challenging, with Reaves failing to make a three-pointer for the first time this season. This was also the first time he failed to score at least 20 points; that’s how well Reaves was playing before a groin injury sidelined him for three games last week. With the Lakers visiting the Pelicans on Friday, he’s a safe bet to bounce back given how much New Orleans has struggled thus far.
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
21 days ago
Dončić and the Lakers ran into the team with the NBA’s best defense, and the fact that Oklahoma City was playing its second game in as many nights didn’t matter. Dončić struggled to get going and did not play at all in the fourth quarter. He’ll look to bounce back when the Lakers visit the struggling Pelicans on Friday in what should be a far more advantageous matchup for him.
LAL • Forward • #23
21 days ago
Yet to appear in a game with the Lakers this season, James was assigned to the franchise’s G League affiliate in South Bay. LeBron, who turns 41 next month, is set for his first full practice and will even play 5-on-5, according to Charania. When he’ll make his debut is still unclear, but going on what equates to a minor league rehab assignment marks a step towards James’ ultimate return to the court. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves will continue to run the show for the Lakers until LeBron is back.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Guard • #36
23 days ago
While Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura handled most of the scoring on Monday, Smart was a pest defensively. The veteran guard recorded seven steals, one shy of his career-high, while also providing solid value in the assist and three-point categories. Rostered in seven percent of Yahoo! leagues, Smart is closing in on top-100 value in nine-cat formats. While LeBron James (sciatica) is making progress in his recovery, streaming Smart in deep leagues for the final three games of the Lakers’ road trip wouldn’t be a bad idea.
LAL • Forward • #28
23 days ago
After scoring a season-low eight points in Saturday’s loss to the Hawks, Hachimura rebounded nicely in Charlotte. While the return of Austin Reaves from a groin injury knocked the forward down a peg in the offensive pecking order, Rui benefited from the improved spacing. The result was his third 20-point game of the season, with Hachimura shooting 75 percent from the field and 100 percent from three. Rostered in 27 percent of Yahoo! leagues, he’s providing 10th-round value in nine-cat formats.