New Orleans

Pelicans

Bey remained in the starting lineup on Thursday, and he could stay there as long as he’s playing well. Interim head coach James Borrego hasn’t said anything regarding what the lineup will look like once Zion Williamson (9/3/5/0/1 in 21 minutes) is no longer restricted. But Bey has made a good argument for himself staying in the starting lineup with Thursday’s performance. Over the last two weeks, he’s been close to a top-75 player in eight-cat formats, excellent value for a player who wasn’t on many radars before the season began.

While Jones has been among the best defenders in the NBA, it’s easy to ignore a player when he’s languishing on a bad team. He had a highly productive night on Thursday, recording a career-high eight steals. However, while Jones’ defensive abilities have shown up in the steals category, limited offensive production keeps his fantasy ceiling low. Jones shot 50 percent from the field against the Rockets, with the 18 points being a season-high. Hopefully, that’s a sign of what’s to come from him offensively.

Murphy’s consistent production has been one of the bright spots for the Pelicans this season. He’s scored at least 20 points in seven straight games, and he’s providing top-20 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. New Orleans erased a 25-point deficit on Thursday, tying the record for the biggest comeback in franchise history. The Pelicans end Week 9 with a game against the Pacers on Saturday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.