New Orleans

Pelicans

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.