Karlo Matković (back) is questionable to play against the Spurs on Friday.

Matković missed the season opener but could return to the lineup to take on San Antonio. Yves Missi (ankle) is questionable as well, so the status of both players will determine who starts at center, with Derik Queen as the other option.

Pelicans head coach Willie Green said that center Yves Missi (ankle) will be day-to-day moving forward.

That seems like good news considering the second-year center sprained his right ankle during he fourth quarter of last night’s loss to the Grizzlies. Missi will be listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game vs San Antonio, but it doesn’t sound like he will be sidelined for too long. Both Derik Queen and Hunter Dickinson could see an uptick in minutes in the short-term.

Jeremiah Fears amassed 17 points (7-of-10 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs) and two assists in Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies.

If there’s one thing Fears can do at a pro level right now, it’s score. The rookie had a good night shooting the basketball, making 70 percent of his attempts. Unfortunately, Fears did not produce much beyond the points, as he missed his lone three-point attempt. However, he was able to get downhill on multiple occasions. With Fears playing 18 minutes, there was no room for Jose Alvarado in the rotation, with the veteran point guard picking up a DNP-CD. That was an eye-opener, especially with the Pelicans’ lack of point guards as Dejounte Murray (Achilles) continues his rehab.

Yves Missi (ankle) produced five points (2-of-4 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot in Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies.

Missi didn’t have a productive night, and things worsened during the fourth quarter. The second-year center sprained his right ankle on a layup attempt and had to exit. While Hunter Dickinson (two points and one blocked shot) played five minutes during the first half, he did not see any action after halftime. Rookie Derik Queen (wrist) played 15 minutes in his debut, putting up three points, five rebounds and one blocked shot. New Orleans went small for stretches, which they may do more often if Missi has to miss time.

Jordan Poole accounted for 17 points (6-of-14 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), two assists and three three-pointers in Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies.

Poole shot 3-of-7 from beyond the arc in his official Pelicans debut, but he did not provide much value beyond the points and three-pointers. That isn’t the expectation for him, especially with Dejounte Murray (Achilles) unavailable. While most of the offense will run through Zion Williamson, the Pelicans need more production from Poole than what he provided in Wednesday’s defeat. And that can also be said for fantasy managers who have him rostered.

Herbert Jones tallied 17 points (6-of-14 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block and three three-pointers in Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies.

Jones recorded a complete stat line Wednesday night, including four “stocks” and a 3-of-5 night from beyond the arc. While he is one of the NBA’s best wing defenders, Jones shot a career-low 30.6 percent from beyond the arc last season. Jones’ overall field-goal percentage will benefit if he can get that three-point percentage closer to his career mark of 36.6 percent, if not exceed it. Only rostered in 34 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Herb should be a popular “add” in the coming days.

Zion Williamson finished Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies with 27 points (10-of-21 FGs, 7-of-12 FTs), nine rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Williamson was excellent in Wednesday’s season opener, even if his performance did not result in a Pelicans victory. All that was missing from his stat line were blocks and three-pointers, and fantasy managers don’t expect anything from Zion in the latter category. With Jordan Poole not being a traditional point guard, the ball will be in Williamson’s hands a lot as a facilitator. He led the Pelicans in assists in Memphis, and that may become the norm until Dejounte Murray (Achilles) returns later this season.

Desmond Bane had 23 points (7-of-18 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and three three-pointers against the Heat on Wednesday.

Bane, who was acquired in an offseason trade from the Grizzlies, fit right in during his Magic debut against the Heat on Wednesday. The 27-year-old shooting guard provided some much needed shooting as he knocked down three three-points and all six of his free throw attempts. Bane had 23 points while Paolo Banchero had 24 and Franz Wagner also had 24. Orlando’s Big 3 will be fun to watch all season long and fantasy managers would be happy if that even scoring distribution remained.

Paolo Banchero had 24 points (7-of-17 FGs, 9-of-12 FTs), 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and one three-pointer against the Heat on Wednesday.

Banchero îs usually more of a facilitator. The 22-year-old power forward averaged 4.8 assists per game last year, but had just one assist in his first game playing alongside the newly acquired Desmond Bane. Banchero’s assist totals could be something to watch going forward, though it’s only one game. He was certainly effective scoring and rebounding the basketball against the Heat, which showed in his final line with a 24-point double-double.

Franz Wagner had 24 points (9-of-17 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), four rebounds, six assists, two steals and two three-pointers in the Magic’s 125-121 victory over the Heat on Wednesday.

Wagner picked up right where he left off last year. After averaging 24.2 points per game in 2024-25, the 24-year-old small forward dropped 24 points in the season opening win over the Heat on Wednesday. Wagner shot just 29 percent from behind the three-point line last year, but made 2-of-5 attempts against Miami. Improved three-point shooting could unlock another strong campaign for Wagner.

Karlo Matkovic (back) is out for Wednesday’s matchup with the Grizzlies.

Matkovic will join Kevon Looney (knee) on the sidelines, which means Yves Missi and Zion Williamson should see a healthy dose of minutes in New Orleans’ frontcourt. Rookie Derik Queen (wrist) is available, and he could see additional opportunities in this one.

According to the Orlando Magic’s official X account, Jalen Suggs (knee) is expected to be available for Wednesday’s season opener against the Heat.

Suggs underwent season-ending knee surgery in March, but he’s progressed well enough to be cleared for the opener. It’s unclear if he’ll face any minutes restrictions in his first game back. If Suggs is indeed limited, Tyus Jones and Anthony Black would be in line for additional playing time.

Karlo Matković (back) is doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Grizzlies.

With Kevon Looney (knee) already out, the Pelicans will likely be without two centers for Wednesday’s opener. Matković is doubtful due to lower back spasms, leaving New Orleans light on options beyond Yves Missi. Derik Queen (wrist) is off the injury report, so he can play rotation minutes in his first action after missing the entire preseason. There may also be moments when the Pelicans slide Zion Williamson to the five as part of a smaller lineup.

Jalen Suggs (knee) participated in five-on-five contact drills at practice.

Opening night has been the target date for Suggs to return, and his status during practice is a good sign that he’ll be able to suit up against the Heat on Wednesday. If not, Tyus Jones and Anthony Black will fill the void.

Zion Williamson added 18 points (9-of-11 FGs), five rebounds, six assists and one steal on Thursday against the Magic.

Williamson had another strong performance on Thursday, posting preseason-highs in points and assists in just 22 minutes of game action. He finished well at the rim, and when he wasn’t doing that, his impact as a facilitator was felt. Williamson played under 30.0 minutes per game last season for the first time since his rookie campaign. If he can see an increase in minutes while remaining healthy, the former first-overall pick should be in for a productive season.

Trey Murphy III finished Thursday’s game against the Magic with 18 points (7-of-14 FGs), seven rebounds, three assists and four three-pointers.

Murphy finally found his rhythm from beyond the arc on Thursday, after going 3-of-12 from deep through the first two preseason games. His output against the Magic topped his previous total coming into the evening, and he tied a preseason-high in points along the way. Murphy was enjoying a career-best season during the 2024-25 campaign before a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely. Now healthy, the path to another productive season seems clear.

Jordan Poole added 21 points (7-of-15 FGs, 5-of-5 FTs), two assists, one steal and two three-pointers on Thursday against the Magic.

Poole had his most productive scoring game of the preseason as a Pelican, surpassing 20 points on Thursday for the first time. He did so with solid shooting efficiency, although he struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 25.0 percent on high volume. The former NBA champion didn’t make a notable impact in any other statistical categories, but leading the team in scoring is noteworthy. He should have a large role for New Orleans once the regular season begins, and could be a nice complement on offense to Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III.

Wendell Carter Jr. amassed 14 points (5-of-8 FGs, 3-of-5 FTs), seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal on Thursday against the Pelicans.

Carter Jr. was one of four Magic starters to score in double figures on Thursday, mostly using efficiency inside the arc to find his scoring production. Yet, the veteran center made splashes in several other areas, as well. His most noteworthy contributions arguably came as a facilitator, notching a preseason-high in assists and leading Orlando’s starters in that category on Thursday. Carter Jr. also found production in the defensive end and ultimately logged a strong game overall to wrap up what was a solid preseason for him.

Franz Wagner amassed 24 points (8-of-14 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), two rebounds, three assists, two steals and three three-pointers in Thursday’s win over the Pelicans.

Wagner was productive offensively on Thursday, utilizing efficient shooting to reach at least 20 points for the first time all preseason. The three-point shot was a big part of Wagner’s production, which was good to see after the versatile forward shot under 30.0 percent from deep for a second consecutive season. If he can sustain high volume and remain efficient from beyond the arc, he’ll have a chance to land another impressive fantasy basketball season, especially in nine-category leagues.

Paolo Banchero totaled 19 points (6-of-11 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two three-pointers against the Pelicans on Thursday.

Banchero logged his highest minutes total on Thursday and, in return, set preseason-highs in points, rebounds, assists and threes. He shot the ball well both inside and outside the arc, while making his way to the free-throw line and capitalizing on his free opportunities. Banchero finished the preseason strong as the Magic concluded with a 4-0 record. He won’t take the floor again until Orlando faces Miami on October 22 for the season opener.

Paolo Banchero, Tyus Jones, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. will start vs. the Pelicans on Friday.

Paolo Banchero, Tyus Jones, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. will start vs. the Pelicans on Thursday.

Banchero is back in the lineup for the Magic’s preseason finale, after missing Sunday’s game against the Heat. He has yet to shoot efficiently from the floor in his two appearances, but he will have a chance to find his rhythm on Thursday against the Pelicans. The Magic are 3-0 thus far and with the addition of Desmond Bane, they figure to be in for a strong 2025-26 season.

Kevon Looney (knee) will be re-evaluated in two-to-three weeks.

Looney suffered a sprain in his left knee during a preseason win, but he will likely miss the start of the season. It doesn’t seem like this will be a long-term injury, but more information should be provided after the re-evaluation period. Yves Missi should start at center and play a ton of minutes early on until Looney and Derik Queen (wrist) return to the lineup.

Jeremiah Fears finished with 20 points (8-of-15 FGs), six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two three-pointers against the Rockets on Tuesday.

The rookie struggled in his first preseason game and was fine in his second, but it was this third one where he really flashed his upside. He missed the game-winning shot at the buzzer, which would’ve been a nice moment to finish out a strong performance. He should be able to have some nice moments throughout his first season in the league, but there won’t be performances like this often.

Yves Missi recorded a double-double on Tuesday with 10 points (5-of-8 FGs), 10 rebounds and two blocks in a 130-128 loss to the Rockets.

The starting center spot in New Orleans is still up for grabs, and Missi made a strong case with his performance in this game. His competition for the starting job is with Kevon Looney, who didn’t play in this one. Missi is the better fantasy option, but Looney may be the best fit for this team. We’ll see which one they roll with, but if it’s Looney, his fantasy upside will be limited.

Jordan Poole, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson and Yves Missi will start against the Rockets on Tuesday.

Coach Willie Green still hasn’t decided who will be the starting center this season, and Missi will get the nod over Kevon Looney for this exhibition. The other four starters should be part of the opening night lineup, but Missi and Looney’s competition is worth keeping an eye on. This is New Orleans’ first preseason game against another NBA team, with a matchup with the Magic coming up on Thursday.

Franz Wagner posted 17 points in Sunday’s win over the Heat, chipping in five rebounds, three assists and a triple across 16 minutes.

Wagner started the inner-Floridian matchup and led his team in the scoring department despite his limited playing time. The 24-year-old forward hit 3-of-8 shots from the field but converted all 10 of his free-throw attempts. He profiles as a top-50 player in fantasy leagues this season, but his usage is a bit more of a question mark this year with the Magic trying to fit Desmond Bane into the attack.

Goga Bitadze tallied 11 points (5-of-7 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocked shots in Friday’s win over the 76ers.

Used primarily as a reserve, Bitadze is not in a great spot to provide consistent fantasy value. However, Moritz Wagner (knee) is expected to miss the start of the regular season, and starter Wendell Carter Jr. surpassing 60 games played twice in his first seven seasons, there may be streaming opportunities for Goga. He isn’t a player worth drafting, but he should remain on the radar of managers willing to select Carter in their drafts.

Franz Wagner shot 2-of-5 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line in Friday’s win over the 76ers, tallying eight points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Wagner, who did not play in Orlando’s preseason opener against the Heat, was in the lineup Friday night and logged 20 minutes. He looked a bit rusty, which was to be expected of a player who got some deserved time off after helping lead Germany to gold at EuroBasket. Even with the limited scoring against the 76ers, fantasy managers should not be concerned about Wagner. Tristan da Silva, who started for Franz against Miami, finished Friday’s win with 12 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal and two three-pointers in 13 minutes off the bench.

Wendell Carter Jr. finished Friday’s win over the 76ers with 20 points (6-of-8 FGs, 8-of-9 FTs), 13 rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot.

After playing 13 minutes in Orlando’s preseason opener, Carter’s workload increased to 21 minutes on Friday. And he was excellent against the 76ers, shooting efficiently while commanding the glass on both ends of the floor. Six of Carter’s game-high 13 rebounds were of the offensive variety, a highly productive effort from a player who’s averaged at least three offensive boards per game once in his NBA career (2019-20 in Chicago). Of course, the concern regarding Carter in fantasy basketball is his availability, as he’s surpassed 60 games twice in his first seven seasons. The 2024-25 campaign was one of those, as Carter played a career-high 68 games. Fantasy managers should reap the rewards if he can match or exceed that number.

Tyus Jones, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. will start Friday’s exhibition against the 76ers.

After sitting out Orlando’s preseason opener, Wagner is available and will occupy his usual spot in the starting lineup. Fellow EuroBasket champion Tristan da Silva will return to the bench. Also, with Jones continuing to start for Jalen Suggs as he works his way back from knee surgery, this could be Orlando’s starting lineup for opening night.

Pelicans head coach Willie Green has not decided who will be the team’s starting center when the regular season begins.

While second-year center Yves Missi spent most of last season as the starter, he isn’t guaranteed to take on that role in 2025-26. In addition to trading up to draft the currently injured Derik Queen (wrist) in June’s draft, the Pelicans signed veteran Kevon Looney in free agency. Looney started both of the team’s exhibition games in Australia, but Missi played more minutes. And Green has some non-negotiables when it comes to who will earn the right to start come opening night. “Who goes out and competes the hardest? Who gives us the opportunity to start games well?” Green said Thursday. “For all of our bigs, that’s the non-negotiables for us. Time will tell. We’ve got two more games, then we’ll go from there.” Until Queen is cleared to resume full contact, Missi is the option who possesses the highest fantasy upside among the healthy Pelicans.