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Antonio Spurs
34-15|L10: 5-5
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Orleans Pelicans
10-38|L10: 2-8
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NOP • G • #13
about 1 month ago
One thing that basketball fans know and understand about Poole is that he’s going to get shots up. After attempting 19 in his first game back from a quad injury on Friday, he tied with Zion Williamson for the most shot attempts on the team in Sunday’s victory. The Pelicans have stuck with Jeremiah Fears as the starting point guard, and that should not change anytime soon. However, based on his shot volume, Poole doesn’t need to start to put up numbers.
NOP • F • #1
about 1 month ago
Available after a six-game absence, Williamson was under a minutes restriction on Sunday. For that reason, he came off the bench, with Saddiq Bey (10/6/1/2) remaining in the starting lineup. The reserve role did not negatively impact Williamson, who provided solid value in multiple categories in 27 minutes. Of course, fantasy managers were also watching to see how Zion’s return would affect Derik Queen. The rookie didn’t have his best night, finishing with four points, eight rebounds, six assists, one block and five turnovers in 25 minutes. However, to blame Queen’s showing on Williamson’s return would be a severe overreaction. With the Pelicans off until Thursday, they’ll have some welcome practice time to figure out the rotation.
NOP • • #
about 1 month ago
Fears recorded his seventh 20-point game of the season on Sunday, and his efficiency has improved recently. Over the past two weeks, the rookie has averaged 16.5 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field. Turnovers have been an issue for Fears, who committed three against the Bulls, which is why he’s been more valuable in eight-cat formats and turnover-punt roster builds. The Pelicans are scheduled to play two games in Week 9, beginning with the Rockets on Thursday.
NOP • F • #25
about 1 month ago
Since returning from an elbow injury that sidelined him for two games, Murphy has scored at least 20 points in six straight appearances. With Zion Williamson back in the rotation, the Pelicans’ scoring was more balanced on Sunday, with six players scoring in double figures. Murphy has led the way throughout the season, and there’s no reason to believe that won’t remain the case moving forward. New Orleans doesn’t play its next game until Thursday as part of a two-game Week 9.
NOP • F • #1
about 1 month ago
Williamson is back after a six-game absence. His return affects multiple players, starting with Saddiq Bey. Bey has excelled as a starter and will remain in that role on Sunday, but his minutes may decrease. Also affected by Williamson’s presence in the lineup is Derik Queen, who may not be asked to facilitate as much as he was during the Pelicans’ last six games. If so, the rookie center would have a lower fantasy ceiling, which would be unfortunate.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
SAS • Guard-Forward • #24
about 1 month ago
Vassell led the way for the Spurs in what was a balanced scoring effort, with four players scoring at least 22 points in Saturday’s victory. And he needed the slump-buster, having totaled 13 points on 3-of-15 shooting in the Spurs’ prior two games. Vassell’s performance on Saturday was especially encouraging because it came with Victor Wembanyama available, even if the big man’s minutes were limited. For the season, Vassell is closing in on top-75 value in nine-cat formats, exceeding his Yahoo! ADP (97).
SAS • Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
The reigning Rookie of the Year took a beating on Saturday, finishing with both a bloody lip and a bloody nose, and he was also responsible for six turnovers. However, Castle’s turnover issues were limited mainly to the first quarter, as he and the other Spurs appeared to be pressing. Victor Wembanyama subbing in to begin the second quarter certainly helped calm some nerves. Castle has scored at least 20 points in seven games this season, and his scoring average is nearly four points higher than his rookie year number (14.7). Next up for Castle and the Spurs are the Knicks in Tuesday’s NBA Cup final, which will not count toward team records or statistics.
SAS • Guard • #4
about 1 month ago
Fox was one of four Spurs to score either 22 or 23 points on Saturday, with the team rebounding from a brutal 0-of-11 start from three to hand Oklahoma City its second loss of the season. Fox has scored at least 20 points in 14 of the 17 games he’s appeared in this season, and he’s providing top-25 value in eight-cat formats. After Tuesday’s NBA Cup final against the Knicks, Fox and the Spurs will play three games over the final four days of Week 9. That’s good news for fantasy managers.
SAS • Forward-Center • #1
about 1 month ago
Wembanyama made his long-awaited return to the court on Saturday, but fans and fantasy managers had to wait a little longer than they expected. The Spurs did not play him at all in the first quarter, and Wemby logged just seven minutes in the second quarter. The goal was to ensure that Wembanyama’s minutes restriction would not be an issue in the fourth quarter, and the approach worked. He only needed 21 minutes to record an excellent stat line, showing why he’s considered one of the NBA’s premier talents. Tuesday’s NBA Cup final against the Knicks won’t count towards stats or fantasy basketball, but the Spurs will have three other games in Week 9.
NOP • F • #1
about 1 month ago
Williamson participated in practice Saturday and at least has a chance of returning from his adductor injury against the Bulls on Sunday. The 25-year-old power forward was to be re-evaluated three weeks from December 3, but beat that timeline by about a week. Saddiq Bey will likely move back to the bench if Zion is available Sunday.
SAS • Forward-Center • #1
about 1 month ago
Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal will be Wembanyama’s first game since November 14, and the Spurs will not take any chances with his health. He’ll be restricted in two ways: the Spurs will sub him out earlier than usual, resulting in shorter stints on the court, and his overall playing time will decrease. Luke Kornet will shift back into his usual backup center role, but his ceiling may be slightly higher than usual due to the restrictions the team is imposing on Wembanyama.
Source: Nick Gallo
SAS • Forward-Center • #1
about 1 month ago
Wembanyama will be a welcomed site on the court, as the Spurs will try to take down the red-hot Thunder, winners of 16 straight games. Wemby may face restrictions in his first game back as he works his way back into game shape. His return should mean fewer minutes for Luke Kornet and Julian Champagnie. Bismack Biyombo may fall completely out of the rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • G • #13
about 1 month ago
Poole returned to the Pelicans’ rotation after a nine-game absence, and he wasted no time getting up shots. The scoring guard led the team in shot attempts and notched his third 20-point game of the season. For those who may have been concerned about how Poole’s return would affect Jeremiah Fears, the rookie’s minutes decreased somewhat, but the efficiency and production were good. Fears finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal in 25 minutes. Even with Poole back, there should be more than enough room for Fears to have an impact offensively, especially if he remains the starter.
NOP • G • #11
about 1 month ago
With Jordan Poole returning from a hip injury and Herb Jones making his second start since returning from a calf injury, there did not appear to be much room for McGowens in the Pelicans’ rotation on Thursday. Well, interim head coach James Borrego kept him in the rotation during the first half, and McGowens started for the ejected Jones to begin the third quarter. He had one of his best games as a pro, matching his career-high in scoring while not missing any of his five three-point attempts. While this performance isn’t enough to put McGowens on the radar of many fantasy managers, it’s clear that Borrego will give him opportunities if he continues to earn them.
NOP • • #
about 1 month ago
While Queen did not set the fantasy basketball world ablaze as he did in Monday’s loss to the Spurs, the rookie produced another excellent stat line. Shooting 66.7 percent from the field, the rookie center finished a blocked shot and a three-pointer shy of a complete stat line and did not commit a turnover. When Queen is aggressive on offense, the entire lineup benefits, as he has also proven to be adept at making plays for others. Given the skill set that Queen possesses, it would be unsurprising if his fantasy value took off while Zion Williamson is unavailable.
NOP • F • #25
about 1 month ago
The third quarter has been an issue for the Pelicans throughout this season, but that was not the case on Thursday. New Orleans outscored Portland by a 35-29 margin, and Murphy shot 4-of-5 from the field in the period. Interestingly, all five of his shots were attempted in the paint. It seemed as if the Pelicans as a team made a concerted effort to attack the paint in the period, and with significant effect. Murphy remains the Pelicans’ best fantasy option, and only an injury would change that. New Orleans ends Week 8 on Sunday against the Bulls.
NOP • F • #2
about 1 month ago
Jones argued with an official regarding a foul called with 1.3 seconds remaining in the first half, picking up two technicals from two separate officials. His early departure makes New Orleans’ task of defending Deni Avdija more challenging, as that was his assignment. Jones finished with four points (2-of-7 FGs), four rebounds and one blocked shot in 14 minutes of play.
NOP • G • #13
about 1 month ago
Poole has been cleared to make his first appearance in a game since November 5. His return likely means fewer minutes for Bryce McGowens and Jose Alvarado, with the former taking the more significant hit to his playing time.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
SAS • Forward-Center • #1
about 1 month ago
When asked if Wembanyama could return against the Thunder Saturday, Johnson said, “Very much so.” He added that Wembanyama had a very intense workout Wednesday and his availability will depend on how he responds. Even if the 21-year-old center isn’t able to make it back on the floor this weekend, his return doesn’t seem far off, which is great news for fantasy managers.
Source: Jared Weiss
SAS • Forward • #30
about 1 month ago
Champagnie has played 29 minutes in each of the last two games since Stephon Castle returned from a hip injury. The 24-year-old small forward had played at least 35 minutes in three of the last five games before Castle returned. Castle played 27 minutes Wednesday, which will only increase with time and potentially cut into Champagnie’s minutes even more. He’s still worth holding in deeper formats for now, though.
SAS • Guard • #4
about 1 month ago
Fox led the Spurs with a +21 in 31 minutes in the 132-119 victory over the Lakers on Wednesday. Stephon Castle, who returned from a hip injury Monday, played 27 minutes while Dylan Harper played 20 minutes off the bench. Castle’s minutes should only increase, meaning less of the offense will ultimately run through Fox, whose scoring is crucial with Victor Wembanyama (calf) still sidelined.
SAS • Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
After playing on a minutes limit in his return from a hip injury Monday, Castle erupted with a massive game in the win over the Lakers on Wednesday. The 21-year-old shooting guard was just four assists shy of a triple-double, posting a 30/10/6 line. Castle, last year’s Rookie of the Year, still only played 27 minutes Wednesday. His minutes and fantasy value should only increase going forward.
SAS • Guard • #11
about 1 month ago
McLaughlin is set to return after missing over a month with a hamstring injury. With De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper all available, it’s unlikely McLaughlin will see significant minutes in his first game back.
SAS • • #
about 1 month ago
Bryant was added to the injury report with an illness Wednesday afternoon, but is ultimately active against the Lakers. The 20-year-old power forward had four points in eight minutes in Monday’s win over the Pelicans. He’s not worth rostering yet in most fantasy leagues.
NOP • G • #13
about 1 month ago
Poole has been out since early November with a quad injury. The 26-year-old point guard is nearing a return given his questionable listing for Thursday’s game against the Blazers. Jose Alvarado will continue to serve as the backup point guard if Poole is ultimately ruled out again.
SAS • • #
about 1 month ago
Bryant is a late addition to the injury report, and if he is unavailable for the NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup, Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan would each likely take on a few extra minutes. However, that won’t make much of an impact on the Spurs’ rotation.
Source: Paul Garcia
SAS • Guard • #11
about 1 month ago
McLaughlin has a chance to return after missing over a month. However, with De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper all healthy, his role will be minimal, if he sees the floor at all.
Source: Paul Garcia.
SAS • Forward-Center • #1
about 1 month ago
Wemby had a chance to play against Los Angeles after practicing this past weekend, but the Spurs will wait at least one more game. Luke Kornet will start at least one more game, where he hasn’t met expectations as a streamer.
Source: Paul Garcia
NOP • F • #2
about 1 month ago
Monday’s game was the first for Jones since November 21, as a strained calf had sidelined him. While he was limited to 26 minutes in his first game back, the Pelicans wing was productive. Jones is rostered in 22 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and he’s worth adding in some 12-team leagues with Zion Williamson (adductor) out. Bryce McGowens, who was starting for Jones, played 24 minutes off the bench on Monday, finishing with eight points, one rebound, two assists and one three-pointer.
NOP • F • #25
about 1 month ago
Murphy has scored at least 30 points in four games this season, more than halfway to his total in 2024-25 (seven). The Pelicans forward has been the team’s most valuable fantasy option this season, and by a wide margin. Murphy is providing top-25 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats; no other Pelicans currently ranks within the top-100 of either, according to Basketball Monster. The Pelicans play two more games in Week 8, starting with the Trail Blazers on Thursday.
NOP • • #
about 1 month ago
While the fact that the Pelicans paid a high price for the right to draft Queen remains a talking point, on Monday night, fans saw why the front office took that plunge. The rookie center scored a career-high 33 points and recorded his first triple-double, becoming the fifth rookie in the last 30 years to record a 30-point triple-double. The other four were Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin (two times), Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Also, Queen is the eighth player to account for at least 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and four blocked shots in a game since the league began recording blocked shots. New Orleans ran a lot of its offense through Queen, and that approach only raises his ceiling, especially with Zion Williamson (adductor) out.
Source: Keith Parish
SAS • • #
about 1 month ago
Two of the three 2025 lottery picks playing in Monday’s contest came up big for their respective teams. While New Orleans’ Derik Queen recorded the more impressive stat line, Harper got the last laugh, as his shot with 9.1 seconds remaining gave San Antonio the lead for good. With Stephon Castle (hip) back in the lineup, the rookie guard still played 26 minutes, which bodes well for his opportunities moving forward. Harper remains a deep-league option at best, but he has the tools required to change that in time.
SAS • Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Unsurprisingly, the Spurs had Castle on a minutes restriction in his return from a hip injury that sidelined him for nine games. However, the reigning Rookie of the Year was productive in his 23 minutes on the floor. Castle’s restriction ensured Julian Champagnie of solid minutes, as he logged 29 and finished with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and five three-pointers. We’ll see if the minutes split is similar on Wednesday when the Spurs face the Lakers, but deep-league managers who were streaming Champagnie should consider holding onto him.
SAS • Forward • #40
about 1 month ago
While the Spurs used a balanced scoring effort to leave New Orleans with a three-point victory, there were stretches in which Barnes was asked to take the lead. The veteran forward answered the call, scoring 24 points after totaling 18 on 7-of-19 shooting in his previous two appearances. Rostered in 20 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Barnes has provided 10th-round value in eight-cat formats, exceeding his ADP (139) by a decent margin. Next up for the Spurs is an NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup with the Lakers on Wednesday.
SAS • Center-Forward • #40
about 1 month ago
Castle is back in the Spurs’ lineup after missing nine games, resulting in Julian Champagnie heading back to the bench. Castle’s minutes may be restricted, so Champagnie will undoubtedly play rotation minutes. Also, Kornet has been upgraded from questionable to available after missing Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers with a sprained ankle.
Source: NBA Lineups
NOP • F • #2
about 1 month ago
Jones is available to make his first appearance since November 21. His return means that Bryce McGowens will head to the bench, with Saddiq Bey continuing to start due to Zion Williamson’s absence. McGowens will not be worth rostering, even if Jones’ playing time is restricted.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
SAS • Center-Forward • #40
about 1 month ago
Kornet missed Friday’s game against the Cavs, but the Spurs are expecting him to suit up on Monday, even if he is still officially listed as questionable. With Victor Wembanyama (calf) doubtful, Kornet should get at least one more game as a starter.
Source: Jeff McDonald
SAS • Guard • #5
about 1 month ago
Castle has been sidelined since November 16, but prior to that, he had been playing incredibly well despite De’Aaron Fox’s return to the lineup. Castle may have his minutes managed in his first game back after a multi-week absence, but he will eventually push Julian Champagnie back to the bench. Dylan Harper may also lose out on a few minutes with Castle back. Monday’s game will be the first time that Castle, Fox and Harper will be available at the same time this season.
Source: Jeff McDonald
NOP • F • #2
about 2 months ago
Jones last appeared in a game on November 21, resulting in Saddiq Bey replacing him in the starting lineup. With Zion Williamson currently out, Bey will likely remain a starter even if Jones plays on Monday. That makes Bryce McGowens the player most likely to be dropped from the starting lineup. While McGowens has enjoyed some positive moments recently, his place within the rotation does not affect fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
SAS • Center-Forward • #40
about 2 months ago
Kornet did not play in Friday’s game against the Cavaliers, resulting in Bismack Biyombo moving into the starting lineup. With Biyombo and Kelly Olynky combining to play 16 minutes on Friday, neither will be worth the risk if Kornet remains out on Monday. San Antonio was willing to go small for extended periods, with Jeremy Sochan spending some time at the five.
Source: Paul Garcia
SAS • Forward-Center • #1
about 2 months ago
While Wembanyama returned to practice on Sunday, he has not yet reached the point where he can play in games. The next opportunity for him to play will be on Wednesday when the Spurs visit the Lakers in an NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup. As long as he’s healthy, Luke Kornet will be the starter until Wemby returns.
Source: Paul Garcia
SAS • Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
McLaughlin’s continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, especially with Stephon Castle being questionable for Monday’s game. There’s no reason to consider rostering McLaughlin in fantasy leagues.
Source: Paul Garcia
SAS • Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
Castle will likely need some time to ramp up when he returns, but his availability will eventually cut into Julian Champagnie’s and Dylan Harper’s minutes. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Castle’s injury status moving forward.
Source: Jeff McDonald
SAS • Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
Castle will likely need some time to ramp up when he returns, but his availability will eventually cut into Julian Champagnie’s and Dylan Harper’s minutes. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Castle’s injury status moving forward.
Source: Jeff McDonald
SAS • Forward-Center • #1
about 2 months ago
Wemby’s participation in practice bodes well for his chances of returning this week. After Monday’s matchup with the Pels, the Spurs’ next game will be Wednesday against the Lakers in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Until Wemby is back, the Spurs will pick up the slack with Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo.
Source: Jeff McDonald
SAS • Forward-Center • #1
about 2 months ago
Wemby’s participation in practice bodes well for his chances of returning this week. After Monday’s matchup with the Pels, the Spurs’ next game will be Wednesday against the Lakers in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Until Wemby is back, the Spurs will pick up the slack with Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo.
Source: Jeff McDonald
NOP • F • #25
about 2 months ago
Murphy did most of his damage in the second half of a one-sided affair, notching 14 of his team-high 25 points in the late stages of the contest, but it counts the same for fantasy managers. The 25-year-old has performed at a second-round level for fantasy purposes this season, averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.2 blocks through 22 games. The Pelicans are back in action on Monday when they face the Spurs to open a three-game week that also includes matchups against the Trail Blazers and Bulls.
NOP • C • #21
about 2 months ago
After a two-game absence, Missi is available to play on Saturday. His return likely means that Karlo Matković will head to the bench, but this does not affect fantasy basketball. As a starter, Missi is worth streaming in deep leagues while the Pelicans remain without Zion Williamson.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
SAS • Guard-Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Vassell hasn’t been able to pour in the points consistently this year, but he’s still more than capable. He’s taken on more offensive responsibility lately, and he has scored at least 20 points in four of his last six games. His seven triples in this game matched his season high. Vassell’s production is down this year, but he has stepped up with Stephon Castle (hip) and Victor Wembanyama (calf) sidelined. As long as they’re out, he should continue to receive a boost in production.
SAS • Guard • #4
about 2 months ago
Fox has been able to provide late-game magic in multiple games recently to help lead the Spurs to wins, but he wasn’t able to get it done in this one. Still, he was able to turn in a strong line. Fox has now scored at least 25 points in four straight games and in nine of his last 10 appearances. He’ll continue to keep the Spurs afloat until Victor Wembanyama (calf) returns to the lineup.
NOP • C • #21
about 2 months ago
Missi has missed the Pelicans’ last two games, which has allowed Karlo Matkovic to fill out the reserve center minutes. If Missi remains out, Matkovic will maintain that role, but that hasn’t yielded him enough time to be worth rostering in standard leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • G • #13
about 2 months ago
Poole hasn’t played since Nov. 5, and there’s no real timeline for when he’ll be back. Jose Alvarado will remain the backup point guard, where he has been a solid reserve, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to be worth streaming in standard leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • • #
about 2 months ago
Rostered in 27 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Fears has been close to a top-100 player in eight-cat formats over the past week. Also, for the first time, the rookie guard has scored at least 20 points in three consecutive games. Fears is making strides after a rocky start to his first NBA season, one of the few positives for a team that is now 3-20. And with backup Jose Alvarado (13/3/1/2 with three three-pointers) doing his best to play through a left wrist injury, there could come a point when the Pelicans ask Fears to do even more as the starting point guard.
NOP • Guard-Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Make it four straight and five of his last six games in which Bey has scored at least 20 points. Since November 22, only Trey Murphy has been a better fantasy option amongst Pelicans players, with Bey providing top-50 value in eight-cat formats. Zion Williamson (adductor) is out for multiple weeks, and the Pelicans are also awaiting the return of Herb Jones. Rostered in 38 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Bey should be a popular option in more 12-team leagues, even with a light Week 8 schedule due to the NBA Cup knockout rounds.
NOP • F • #25
about 2 months ago
While Murphy led the Pelicans in scoring on Thursday, he missed all five of his three-point attempts. That ends a streak of 17 consecutive games with at least one three-pointer for the wing, who is averaging 2.9 three-pointers per game on the season. Murphy’s overall stat line was still solid, but it could have been a lot better, especially when considering the 33/15/4 line he dropped on Minnesota in Tuesday’s overtime defeat.
NOP • F-C • #17
about 2 months ago
Matković has not played since November 17th. He’s only averaging 4.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists; however, with Herbert Jones (calf) now out, Matković could see a slightly increased role.
Source: NBA.com
NOP • F • #2
about 2 months ago
Jones has not played since November 21st against the Mavericks. Saddiq Bey and Bryce McGowens will continue to see an increase in minutes, and Bey has been a top-60 player in fantasy over his last seven games. He’s available in a lot of formats.
Source: NBA.com
NOP • C • #21
about 2 months ago
Missi started in place of Zion Williamson on Sunday against the Lakers, but missed Tuesday’s game against the Timberwolves with a sore right foot and ankle. Missi is set to miss another game with his various injuries against the Timberwolves on Thursday. Kevon Looney could see additional minutes, but isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
NOP • F • #25
about 2 months ago
After missing two games with a right elbow injury, Murphy made his presence felt in a big way in his return. He set a new career high for rebounds while scoring at least 30 points for the third time this season. Murphy has been one of the bright spots in a disastrous season for New Orleans, and he’ll continue to be an elite player in fantasy basketball as long as he’s healthy and available.
NOP • • #
about 2 months ago
Not many rookie point guards are able to have the offensive success that Fears has had. This was his fifth 20-point outing of the season, and his second in a row, which is the first time he’s scored at least 20 points in consecutive games. Fears’ inefficiency has limited his fantasy output this season, but he has shot over 50 percent from the floor in each of the last two games while turning it over a total of four times.