Elfrid

Payton

Murray is ready to make his return to the hardwood after injuring his hand in his first outing of the season. The Pelicans point guard will bump Elfrid Payton down a notch after his spectacular 21-assist outing but might might not take on a full workload just yet.

Murray has been sidelined since their first game of the season, but he should make his return to the court on Wednesday. He won’t see a full workload, but Elfrid Payton should be pushed to the bench with Murray back. However, coming off of a 21-assist performance, Payton should still be part of the rotation, though his upside will be limited.

If this is Payton’s last start for the Pelicans as the team gets healthier, then he went out with a bang. The 30-year-old point guard was three rebounds away from a triple-double and had 21 assists as the Pelicans fell to the Pacers Monday. Brandon Ingram’s return will push Payton to the bench and Dejounte Murray’s return will push him even further down the depth chart. Fantasy managers can enjoy Payton’s huge game Monday, though it’s clear he won’t have staying power as the Pelicans regular starters return.

McCollum’s return to the lineup is countered by Brandon Ingram’s (calf) inactivity, so Payton will remain in the starting lineup. McCollum’s return (he has not played in a game since October 29) is the lone change to the lineup, with Theis continuing to start despite Yves Missi (shoulder) being available.

McCollum will appear in a game for the first time since October 29, giving New Orleans a much-needed infusion of talent and depth on the perimeter. Elfrid Payton and Brandon Boston Jr. will take hits to their respective fantasy values, but fantasy managers should not expect to see McCollum take on a full workload immediately.

McCollum has missed the team’s last 13 games, but there is a chance that he returns to the lineup on Monday. New Orleans is in desperate need of reinforcements, and McCollum’s return should help them turn things around. His return would also push Elfrid Payton to the bench.

McCollum likely won’t play, but this is still progress for him. He has been sidelined since October and has only played four games this season. When he returns, he will push the recently signed Elfrid Payton to a reserve role.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, which applies to a Pelicans team decimated by injuries. Payton, who was in training camp with the team, was signed Wednesday afternoon and will play heavy minutes. Boston, Green, and Missi are the players who fantasy managers should focus on, with Payton and Robinson-Earl being riskier streaming options.

Payton hasn’t played in the NBA since his 50-game stint with the Phoenix Suns in 2021-22. He averaged 3.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game that with Phoenix. Payton also averaged 10.8 points and 8.2 assists with the Indiana Mad Ants in 2023-24.

After spending last season with the Suns, Payton will get the opportunity to be a depth piece for the Pacers. With Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell in front of him, it’s unlikely that Payton plays much of a role.