Dejounte

Murray

This latest update adds further substance to earlier reports that Murray would make his season debut against the Warriors. After missing most of the season while recovering from a ruptured Achilles, Murray’s workload will surely limited. How many minutes he plays and what that means for Jeremiah Fears’ playing time remains to be seen.

Murray was initially doubtful for Saturday’s game against the 76ers before being ruled out. His return to action is reportedly on the horizon, with Tuesday’s matchup with the Warriors being the target. Given the injury, a ruptured Achilles tendon, and the time missed, Murray’s playing time is likely to be limited. The question is how much his return will affect Jeremiah Fears, who has served as the backup point guard.

While Murray is closing in on making his first appearance since rupturing his Achilles tendon last January, he isn’t ready yet. His continued absence means that Jeremiah Fears’ playing time will hold steady, which is good news for the rookie guard.

Murray hasn’t played yet this season after tearing his Achilles last season, but Pelicans coach James Borrego said he expects Murray to be back playing next week. The 29-year-old point guard isn’t likely to play Saturday given his doubtful listing, but his return isn’t far off. Jeremiah Fears will end up losing some minutes to Murray once he’s back.

There haven’t been many updates on Dejounte throughout the year, though he was able to participate in parts of practice prior to the All-Star break. He won’t return to take on the Bucks on Friday, but he could play in one of the Pelicans four games next week. He has a fantasy-friendly game, but he will likely be incredibly limited in a lost season for New Orleans. Jeremiah Fears will have to give up some of his point guard minutes with Murray back.

Murray, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon last January, has yet to appear in a game this season. The ability to participate in Sunday’s practice, even in a limited capacity, is another step in the right direction for the Pelicans guard. Murray still does not have a timeline for return, so it’s difficult to guarantee that he’ll be able to have an impact during the fantasy playoff weeks in most leagues.

With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) still sidelined, Williamson will have additional opportunities to serve as a primary playmaker within the Pelicans’ offense. He looked sharp in his 16 minutes on the court on Friday, leading the team in assists while committing just two turnovers. Of course, talent has never been the concern regarding Williamson’s fantasy value; availability has. He only appeared in 30 games last season and has surpassed 60 appearances twice in his first six seasons. The availability concerns may push Zion down some draft boards, despite appearing slimmer than he has in years past.

Murray suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during a late-January game against the Celtics. While other Pelicans who suffered season-ending injuries, most notably Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, have been cleared to resume basketball activities and have scrimmaged, Murray has not. And with the guard lacking a timeline to return, his value in fantasy drafts will take a significant hit. In addition to acquiring Jordan Poole from the Wizards this offseason, the Pelicans still have Jose Alvarado, and first-round pick Jeremiah Fears may have the opportunity to earn rotation minutes while Murray continues his rehab.

Murray injured his right Achilles tendon during the first quarter of Friday’s loss to Boston, and he has reported been diagnosed with a season-ending tear. While New Orleans hasn’t gone into “tank mode” yet, this could be the injury that shifts the front office’s thinking ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. Although New Orleans won’t play again during Week 14, now would be a good time to add Jose Alvarado if he’s available on your league’s waiver wire.

Murray suffered a lower right leg injury during the first quarter of Friday’s game when he planted before going after a loose ball. The Pelicans point guard grabbed the back of his right leg after passing the ball and required assistance getting back to the locker room. He has not returned. Whether he starts or continues to come off the bench, Jose Alvarado will have added fantasy value if Murray misses time. Alvarado was in the Pelicans’ lineup to begin the third quarter.