111-103
FINALLos
Angeles Lakers
35-28|L10: 5-5
New
Orleans Pelicans
17-44|L10: 5-5
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Eastern Conference
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NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
about 1 month ago
Jones will sit out another contest, and Saddiq Bey should see big minutes. Bryce McGowens could see a few rotational minutes, but the latter isn’t a worthwhile waiver wire add.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
about 1 month ago
This was Ayton’s second straight double-double, which was the first time he had consecutive double-doubles since November. He also set a new season high for boards in the win. Ayton has been an excellent source of rebounds and field goal percentage this season, though he hasn’t had much success in other categories. Still, that has been enough for him to once again be a top-100 player in category leagues. He’s had a few rough games in recent weeks, so this performance was encouraging.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić had a monster first half for the Lakers to give them a 21-point lead entering the break. He contributed 23 points and seven dimes before halftime, and while he didn’t contribute much after that, he was still able to have an excellent night. The turnovers were rough, but that isn’t a new issue for Luka. He’ll continue to pour in the gaudy counting stats moving forward, with the Hornets up next on the schedule on Thursday.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
LeBron has had a lot of success against the Hawks throughout his career, and even at 41 years old, that hasn’t changed. He fell one rebound shy of recording his first triple-double of the season for the second time in the Lakers’ last three games to help them snap a three-game losing streak. He had some rough outings early on, but he has been excellent since the calendar flipped to 2026, and he’ll look to keep it going against the Hornets on Thursday.
NOP • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #13
about 1 month ago
The highs are quite high, and the lows are rather low for Poole. Over his last five games, he has hit at least four triples in three of them, and he has gone scoreless in the other two. Poole has been too inconsistent to be considered a must-roster player, even if he is able to have some strong outings from time to time. Still, this was a solid performance for him.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy’s scorching hot stretch continued in this game. This was his fifth straight game with at least 20 points and three three-pointers while shooting at least 50 percent from the floor. He has been one of the bright spots in what has been a horrendous season for New Orleans, and he’ll continue to be a fantasy stud as a focal point of the offense for the Pels.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Following a six-game absence, Bey was back and starting for New Orleans. While he played a big role and was able to score some points, he didn’t contribute as much across the board as he has in the past. He has had an excellent bounce-back season after missing all of last year, and as long as he continues to start, he’ll hold value in standard leagues.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić was initially listed as questionable with a groin injury, but is ultimately available for Tuesday’s game against the Hawks. The 26-year-old small forward had 42 points in Monday’s game against the Kings, but had to have his inner thigh/groin area treated in the second half and only had two points in the fourth quarter. This will be Dončić’s second consecutive back-to-back where he’s played in both games.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James was initially listed as questionable with left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica, but is ultimately available for Tuesday’s game against the Hawks. The 41-year-old had 22 points in Monday’s loss to the Kings and is set to play both games of a back-to-back for the first time so far this season.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Bey will be back after missing the last six games for the Pelicans. He’ll immediately return to the starting lineup, which will result in Bryce McGowens not only being pushed out of the starting lineup but being listed inactive for this game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #11
about 1 month ago
Hayes is dealing with left hamstring soreness. The 25-year-old center had 12 points and five rebounds off the bench Monday against the Kings. With Hayes sidelined, Jarred Vanderbilt will likely spend some time at center while Deandre Ayton sits.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
James scored 22 points on Monday but could end up sitting out against Atlanta. Rui Hachimura will be back, so if James is sidelined Jake LaRavia should remain in the starting lineup, though he only had two points in 31 minutes against the Kings.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Guard • #4
about 1 month ago
Bufkin has played well for the Lakers’ G-League affiliate, and he may earn some time with the parent club due to LA’s numerous injuries. Fantasy managers, however, shouldn’t scramble to the waiver wire to add him.
Source: Shams Charania
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Bey is on track to return from a six-game absence due to a right hip flexor. Bey should reclaim his starting role from Bryce McGowens, but with Herb Jones (ankle) out, McGowens could see some rotational minutes. McGowens isn’t worth a look in most fantasy leagues due to his limited production.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
According to McMenamin, Dončić had his inner thigh/groin area treated in the second half of Monday’s loss to the Kings, and his status for the second leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back set is uncertain. The Lakers have not yet submitted an injury report for Tuesday’s tilt with the Hawks, but LeBron James has not played both legs of a back-to-back this season, so his status is also in question. Los Angeles could be sorely undermanned, which would lead to the team picking up the slack in a committee approach, with guys like Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith Jr. and Gabe Vincent seeing increased run. The team will need to lean heavily on its available starters, which could mean monster usage for Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Center • #2
about 1 month ago
One of the few positives for the Lakers in a game in which they allowed the Kings to shoot 59 percent from the field was the production of their centers. After totaling 13 points and nine rebounds in his previous two games, Ayton recorded his 14th double-double of the season. By comparison, he had 20 double-doubles last season. Jaxson Hayes added 12 points (5-of-6 FGs, 2-of-4 FTs), five rebounds and one assist in 19 minutes off the bench. If LeBron James doesn’t play in Tuesday’s game against the Hawks, there should be more opportunities for Ayton and Hayes offensively, even if it’s just in the two-man game with Luka Dončić.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 1 month ago
As a team, the Lakers shot 8-of-36 from beyond the arc, with James missing all five of his attempts. And with the Lakers unable to get stops when they needed them, the 41-year-old was subbed out for good with 1:53 remaining. James played 33 minutes, and he’s yet to play both games of a back-to-back this season. Consider him questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Hawks.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 1 month ago
Dončić had it rolling during the first half of Monday’s game, scoring 26 points. However, after dropping 14 more in the third, the Lakers’ guard only scored two in the fourth. Add in the Lakers’ inability to get stops, and the result was another double-digit defeat. Simply put, the Lakers either come through in the clutch, or their stars wind up watching the final minutes of a loss on the bench (with the occasional exception). Dončić played both games of the Lakers’ last back-to-back, so that may bode well for his availability for Tuesday’s game against the Hawks.
LAL • Power Forward • #28
about 1 month ago
Hachimura was absent from the Lakers’ injury report for Monday’s game, and he was in uniform. However, he saw no action. Jake LaRavia remained in the starting lineup, playing 31 minutes and finishing with two points (1-of-7 FGs), two rebounds, three assists and one steal. During his postgame press conference, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that Hachimura did not play since he wasn’t available for both games of the back-to-back. He’ll play on Tuesday against the Hawks, albeit on a severe minutes restriction.
Source: Jovan Buha
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
about 1 month ago
Tuesday’s game will be the fourth that Jones has missed since spraining his right ankle. Bryce McGowens has started the last two and may remain in that role, but there’s no need to stream him despite his being a starter.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 1 month ago
Bey has missed the Pelicans’ last six games with a strained right hip flexor. With Herb Jones (ankle) also out, Bryce McGowens has started the last two, offering limited fantasy value in that role. Fantasy managers should leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Point Guard • #15
about 1 month ago
Alvarado has been out for three straight games, and his absence will extend through at least the end of January. Until Alvarado returns, Jordan Poole and Bryce McGowens should see additional playing time, while Jeremiah Fears continues to hold things down in the first unit.
Source: Rod Walker
LAL • Power Forward • #28
about 2 months ago
Hachimura is available after missing the last six games with a calf injury. Jake LaRavia may remain in the starting lineup for another game if the former is under a minutes restriction in his first game back. Managers in deep leagues should hold onto LaRavia until the dust settles on the Lakers’ rotation.
Source: Dan Woike
NOP • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #13
about 2 months ago
After scoring 21 points in a January 7 game against the Hawks, Poole went scoreless in a win over the Wizards two nights later. He was far more involved offensively on Sunday, shooting 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. While his place within the rotation makes Poole a player worth holding onto despite coming off the bench, the inconsistency can be frustrating. The Pelicans play four games in Week 13, starting with the Nuggets on Tuesday.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Over the past two weeks, Williamson has been ranked just outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats. While that production is nowhere near his Yahoo! ADP (42), it represents an improvement when compared to how Zion began the season. The Pelicans begin a four-game Week 13 with a back-to-back, so it’s possible that Williamson only plays three games.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
Murphy has scored at least 21 points in four straight games, but his run of games with at least 35 ended at two on Sunday. The Pelicans’ forward has been consistently excellent in terms of fantasy value, and that shouldn’t change anytime soon as long as he’s healthy. The Pelicans play four games in Week 13, starting with the Nuggets on Tuesday.
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Bey is set to miss his sixth game in a row with a right hip flexor strain. With Trey Murphy and Zion Williamson back in the starting lineup anyway, Bey will likely be looking at a bench role whenever he returns.
NOP • Point Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
Alvarado will miss a second straight game, which has allowed Jeremiah Fears to take on extra minutes as the starting point guard. Jordan Poole is filling out the backup minutes, but he was held scoreless in 12 minutes in their last game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
Jones will miss a third straight game. Bryce McGowens started in his place on Friday but was unproductive in 29 minutes. However, he was better in the previous game as a reserve, so he’ll still hold some streaming value with Jones out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Bey is expected to miss a sixth straight game. Trey Murphy (back) returned to the lineup for Friday’s game, so he filled the open starting spot left by Bey. Zion Williamson returned to the starting lineup when Bey first was sidelined, and he will likely remain in that role even after Bey returns.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
For just the third time in his career, and the first since October 29, 2022, Dončić fouled out of an NBA game on Friday. His foul of Milwaukee’s Kevin Porter Jr. on a three-point attempt with 16.2 seconds remaining led to two made free throws that gave the Bucks the lead for good. This was a frustrating night for Dončić, who shot 4-of-19 from inside the arc and 4-of-8 at the foul line. The rebounds, assists, steals and three-pointers were useful, but Dončić managers took a hit in the percentages.
LAL • Power Forward • #33
about 2 months ago
With Rui Hachimura (calf) once again unavailable, LaRavia was in the Lakers’ starting lineup for the sixth consecutive game. While the final stat line on Friday was modest, the forward was a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Since moving into the starting five, LaRavia has been close to a top-50 player in eight-cat formats. As long as Hachimura is unavailable, LaRavia is worth the streaming risk.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James, who finished one rebound shy of a triple-double, had a chance to tie Friday’s game in the final seconds. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo was able to poke the ball away from behind, resulting in James’ third turnover of the night. That was the only issue for the Lakers’ forward, who shouldered more of the offensive workload with Luka Dončić in foul trouble. Over the past two weeks, LeBron has been a top-15 player in eight-cat formats.
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
On the heels of a sublime 42-point performance against the Lakers earlier this week, Murphy stayed sizzling-hot with his sixth 30-point effort to help the Pelicans snap a nine-game losing streak dating back to December 23. Murphy and teammate Zion Williamson combined for 34 first-half points and 66 on the night overall as the Wizards seemed to have zero answers defensively. The 25-year-old scoring forward erupted for 15 first-half points on 5-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-9 from three-point range, and finished the night 7-of-16 from long range. He’s delivered first-round fantasy value this season, averaging 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.2 blocks through 36 games. The Pelicans return to action on Sunday with a road matchup against the Magic.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Williamson went 8-of-9 from the floor to post a game-high 19 first-half points. The polarizing 25-year-old force and teammate Trey Murphy combined for a whopping 66 points in an eventual one-sided victory. It would’ve been an even bigger scoring night had he not missed six of his 13 free-throw attempts. He’s averaging 25 points over his last eight games but doesn’t offer much else from a fantasy perspective besides scoring upside.
NOP • Center • #
about 2 months ago
Queen’s phenomenal rookie campaign continued with his second triple-double performance as he posted double-digit boards for the third straight contest. The 21-year-old big man remains a work in progress but he’s shown flashes of big-time fantasy potential thanks to his all-around skillset.
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James is good to go after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. His return means that Jarred Vanderbilt will head to the bench, where he offers minimal fantasy value.
Source: Khobi Price
NOP • Shooting Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
Murphy is back in the lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, pushing Karlo Matković to the bench. The other change is McGowens, who will start ahead of Jordan Poole. His offensive ceiling is limited, but McGowens is a better defender than Poole.
Source: NBA Lineups
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
Murphy is back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks. His return means that Karlo Matković will return to the bench, and Bryce McGowens’ playing time will decrease as well.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
LAL • Power Forward • #28
about 2 months ago
Hachimura has been sidelined for the Lakers’ last five games but had a chance to return for this one. However, he’ll remain out, which means Jake LaRavia will remain a starter for at least one more game, where he has been worth streaming.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
LeBron was initially listed as questionable after missing Wednesday’s game but is now expected to play. Jarred Vanderbilt started that game in his place but will return to playing a role off the bench with LeBron expected back.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
Initially listed as doubtful, Jones is now officially out against Washington, which will be his second straight absence. Jordan Poole and Karlo Matkovic should remain in the starting unit with both Jones and Trey Murphy (back) sidelined once again.
Source: Jim Eichenhofer
LAL • Power Forward • #28
about 2 months ago
Hachimura has missed the Lakers’ last five games with a strained right calf, and a return to action may not be far away. If he’s able to play on Friday, Jake LaRavia will be the player most affected. While LaRavia’s minutes would decrease, he may be worth holding onto in deep leagues to account for a potential minutes restriction for Hachimura.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, which led to Jarred Vanderbilt making a spot start. Vanderbilt is more valuable as a defender than as a scorer, so he did not offer much fantasy value. James will be back in the starting lineup if he’s allowed to play on Friday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward • #25
about 2 months ago
One night removed from scoring a career-high 42 points, Murphy did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks. Karlo Matković moved into the starting lineup, but Bryce McGowens replaced him to begin the second half. Both players will lose out on minutes if Murphy returns on Friday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward and Power Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
Jones did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, which was the Pelicans’ second game in as many nights. With the doubtful tag, he appears on track to miss a second consecutive game. Jordan Poole may remain in the starting lineup if Jones sits, raising his fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Small Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Friday’s game will be the fifth that Bey has missed with a strained right hip flexor. Karlo Matković moved into the starting lineup for Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, but the Pelicans were also without Trey Murphy and Herb Jones. If Murphy can play against the Wizards, Matković will likely be headed to the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Point Guard • #15
about 2 months ago
Alvarado appeared to tweak something during Tuesday’s loss to the Lakers, but he was still on the floor in crunch time. The point guard’s sore oblique will keep him out for at least one game, likely resulting in more minutes at point guard for Jordan Poole. Jordan Hawkins could enter the rotation, but there’s no need to stream him.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
After Ayton put up 16 shots in Tuesday’s win over the Pelicans, fantasy managers likely hoped for a similar output on Wednesday, especially with LeBron James (toe) out. Unfortunately, he only attempted nine shots, with Jake LaRavia (13) and Luka Dončić (26) being the only Lakers to hit double digits in attempts. With James possibly returning to the lineup on Friday, fantasy managers have to hope that his presence will result in a few more opportunities for Ayton.
LAL • Power Forward • #33
about 2 months ago
Due to Rui Hachimura’s calf injury, LaRavia has started the Lakers’ last five games. And he’s been productive, reaching double figures in three of the five starts. Rostered in 26 percent of Yahoo! leagues, LaRavia has been close to a top-50 player in eight-cat formats since December 30. The only issue facing managers considering adding LaRavia is the schedule. Friday’s game against the Bucks is the Lakers’ last of Week 12.
LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
With no LeBron James (toe), Dončić was left to shoulder most of the offensive workload for the Lakers on Wednesday. In the first half, he either scored or assisted on 39 of the team’s 43 points. Dončić finished with his fourth triple-double of the season and first since December 18. The negatives: the triple-double wasn’t recorded in a victory, and Luka committed seven turnovers. The Lakers play their final game of Week 12 on Friday against the Bucks.
NOP • Shooting Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
McGowens was able to take on a larger role with both Trey Murphy (back) and Herb Jones (ankle) sidelined. He didn’t get the chance to start, but he played a season-high 37 minutes off the bench. He didn’t contribute much in other categories, but if Murphy and Jones remain out in Washington on Friday, McGowens will hold some streaming upside in deeper leagues.
NOP • Power Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Zion was held to just 15 points against the Lakers on Tuesday, and while he was more productive in this game, he still wasn’t able to contribute enough to end this losing streak. Williamson scored at least 30 points in three straight games when he returned to the starting lineup, but in the three games since then, he has averaged 16.3 points. Still, he’s healthy and available, and he has been playing in back-to-backs, which is great to see from him.
NOP • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #13
about 2 months ago
With Trey Murphy and Herb Jones sidelined against Atlanta, Poole returned to the starting lineup. He wasn’t efficient as a scorer, but he was able to pour in the points, mostly from beyond the arc, and contribute defensively. This came after he was held scoreless against the Lakers on Tuesday. Poole is one of the most volatile players in the league, but if he is able to start again in his return to Washington on Friday, he may be able to have another big scoring night.
LAL • Power Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
The Lakers won’t have LeBron James (foot) for Wednesday’s game, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Vanderbilt will fill the void, and while he doesn’t offer much value offensively, starting may raise his defensive ceiling. The other four starters are unchanged.
Source: NBA Lineups
LAL • Point Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
Vincent has missed the Lakers’ last nine games with a lumbar back strain. With LeBron James (foot) out, there will be a need for more offense from the available players. However, Vincent will not exceed 18 minutes in his first game back, so there’s no need to stream him.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
After scoring 30 points in Tuesday’s win over the Pelicans, James will sit out the second game of the Lakers’ road back-to-back. Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt should play more minutes off the bench, with one likely moving into the starting lineup.
Source: Daniel Starkand
NOP • Shooting Guard and Point Guard • #13
about 2 months ago
The Pelicans won’t have Trey Murphy or Herb Jones for Wednesday’s game, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Poole and Matković will fill the resulting voids. While the former is already rostered in most leagues, the latter is worth streaming in deeper formats.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
about 2 months ago
James is dealing with left foot joint arthritis and right sciatica, and he could be sidelined for the second leg of the Lakers’ back-to-back set after going for 30/8/8 in Tuesday’s win over New Orleans. If James is sidelined, more minutes could be available for Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
After Friday’s dud against the Grizzlies, Ayton has bounced back with two solid performances. On Tuesday, he recorded his second double-double in five games and 13th of the season. Generally speaking, when Ayton is involved in the offense early, he can be relied on for solid effort/production throughout. Fantasy managers who have him rostered will certainly root for the Lakers to feed Ayton early before Luka Dončić and LeBron James take over.