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49 articles
NOP • Center • #21
5 days ago
Missi is set to miss his third game in a row with a calf injury. Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney figure to take on the center duties for New Orleans in Missi’s absence, though neither are worth streaming in most fantasy leagues.
NOP • Center • #21
14 days ago
Missi was a very late addition to the injury report, so it isn’t surprising that he won’t suit up against Miami. Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney should fill out the backup center minutes behind Derik Queen.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Center • #21
14 days ago
Missi has been added to the injury report less than half an hour before the starting tip. It would be surprising if they added him this close to the start of the game just for him to play, so it will likely be Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney filling out the reserve center minutes.
Source: Pelicans PR
NOP • Center • #21
about 1 month ago
After starting for most of his rookie season, Missi has primarily been an afterthought in his second year due to the arrival of Derik Queen. However, since the calendar flipped to 2026, the 6-foot-11 center has averaged 22.3 minutes per game. While Missi’s fantasy value hasn’t been great during this stretch, the increase in playing time gives him more chances to do what he did on Sunday: record a double-double with a few “stocks.” Due to foul trouble, Queen (four points, four rebounds and one assist) played 17 minutes, which opened the door for Missi.
NOP • Center • #21
about 1 month ago
After being a starter for most of his rookie season, Missi has primarily been a fantasy afterthought in 2025-26. However, Wednesday’s performance was one of his best, with the Pelicans’ center recording his second double-double of the season. Nine of Missi’s 12 rebounds came on the offensive end, and his play affected how the playing time was distributed. While Missi played 34 minutes, starter Derik Queen (four points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block) played 16. Wednesday isn’t a sign to give up on Queen, but rather a reminder to keep an eye on Missi, especially if the rookie were to go down with an injury.
NOP • Center • #21
about 2 months ago
The Pelicans won’t have Trey Murphy, Derik Queen, Herb Jones or Saddiq Bey for Friday’s game, opening up multiple spots in the starting lineup. Poole, McGowens and Missi will step up to fill the voids, with Poole being the most reliable fantasy option.
Source: NBA Lineups
NOP • Center • #21
3 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
NOP • Center • #21
3 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 • Center • #21
3 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 • Center • #21
3 months ago
Missi is dealing with a sore right foot and ankle and will join Zion Williamson (adductor) on the sideline for Tuesday’s game. While additional rotation minutes may be available to veteran Kevon Looney, he is not a player to roster in fantasy leagues.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Center • #21
3 months ago
Missi will fill in for Zion Williamson as a starter for the second leg of the Pelicans’ back-to-back. Missi had 10 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench on Saturday and should have a good chance to record a double-double as a starter.
Source: Dave McMenamin
NOP • Center • #21
3 months ago
While the Pelicans scored 74 points in the first half, that did not keep interim head coach James Borrego from making a few lineup changes. Missi and Jose Alvarado were inserted into the lineup, with rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen (8/5/4/1/1 in 17 minutes) being bumped to the bench. Missi had his best game of the season, recording a double-double with season-highs in points and rebounds. Add in the blocked shots, and Monday’s effort was a step in the right direction for the second-year center. As long as Queen remains the starter, there isn’t much to gain from rostering Missi right now. But keep an eye on him, as his value may expand during the “silly season.”
NOP • Center • #21
3 months 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 • Center • #21
4 months ago
Missi and Portland’s Jerami Grant got into an altercation on the baseline during the second quarter, with players from both teams and the officials trying to break it up. While no punches were thrown, the two players were deemed to have done enough to warrant being ejected. Missi’s exit should result in more minutes for Derik Queen, which would be great for fantasy managers. Missi finished with one blocked shot in two minutes of action.
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
Missi will be back in action following a three-game absence, though it’s unclear if he’ll immediately reclaim his starting gig. New Orleans’ frontcourt rotation is messy, with all of Kevon Looney, Karlo Matkovic and Derik Queen vying for minutes in the wake of Zion Williamson’s hamstring injury.
Source: Jim Eichenhofer
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
Missi could return following a three-game absence, and his availability could mean fewer minutes for Karlo Matković and Kevon Looney. With Zion Williamson (hamstring) out at least a week, rookie Derik Queen still carries some fantasy appeal.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
Missi will miss a third straight game, which means more playing time for Kevon Looney, Karlo Matkovic and rookie Derik Queen. Queen offers the highest upside of the trio, though New Orleans’ platoon approach at center lowers his fantasy appeal.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
This will be a second straight absence for Missi. Kevon Looney played 15 minutes as a starter on Tuesday, while Derik Queen played 18 minutes off the bench and Karlo Matkovic played 15 minutes. Clearly, there isn’t a major beneficiary from Missi’s absence, though Queen did the most with his minutes. Perhaps he can take on a larger role against Dallas.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
Missi, who was initially questionable, will miss his second game of the season. However, while the Pelicans went small for their October 24 loss to the Spurs, inserting Saddiq Bey into the lineup, that was with a healthy Zion Williamson. Williamson (hamstring) won’t be available on Tuesday, potentially resulting in a spot start for DeAndre Jordan and Derik Queen.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
Missi has started the last two games for the Pelicans, so if he isn’t able to play through the illness, that spot would be open. Kevon Looney would likely fill the void, with Derik Queen and DeAndre Jordan taking on extra minutes off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
Pelicans head coach Willie Green’s experiment of starting DeAndre Jordan at center lasted all of one game. The veteran center heads to the bench, with Missi returning to the starting lineup. While he offers limited fantasy upside, Missi has a better chance of achieving some semblance of relevance when he can start.
Source: Will Guillory
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
Missi is back after a one-game absence, while Matković did not play in either of the Pelicans’ first two contests. With the former sidelined for Friday’s loss to the Spurs, New Orleans went small, with Saddiq Bey moving into the starting lineup. Bey could remain a starter, but only if Zion Williamson (foot) cannot play. Matković’s absence will not impact fantasy basketball.
Source: New Orleans Pelicans
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
While Missi was injured during the Pelicans’ season opener on Wednesday, Matković also missed time during the preseason with his injury. While neither has been given a concrete return timeline, participating in Sunday’s practice without issue is a step in the right direction. The Pelicans, who host the Celtics on Monday, signed DeAndre Jordan to a one-year deal on Friday to help address the frontcourt injury issues.
Source: Will Guillory
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
Missi started the Pelicans’ season opener against the Grizzlies on Wednesday, playing 23 minutes and scoring five points while grabbing seven rebounds. Matkovic missed Wednesday’s game and is out again Friday with a back injury. Derik Queen played 15 minutes off the bench in the opener, putting up three points and five rebounds. The Pelicans also signed DeAndre Jordan Friday morning, making this a clear situation to avoid for fantasy managers.
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
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.
Source: Will Guillory
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
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.
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
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.
NOP • Center • #21
4 months ago
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.
Source: Will Guillory
NOP • Center • #21
5 months ago
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.
Source: Pelicans Film Room
NOP • Center • #21
5 months ago
After starting 67 of the 73 games he played as a rookie, Missi came off the bench in Friday’s preseason opener with Kevon Looney getting the start. Is this something that would hold once the regular season begins? If so, that would be an issue for fantasy managers considering Missi, especially with the Pelicans trading up to draft Derik Queen in June’s draft. Missi did play more minutes than Looney (three points, three rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot) on Friday, logging 20 minutes to the veteran’s 18. But this is something to watch throughout the preseason, and Queen’s eventual full return from wrist surgery will be another variable in the competition for rotation minutes.