Karlo

Matkovic

Missi and Matkovic’s rookie seasons will end in disappointment as they’ve been ruled out for Sunday’s finale. Missi finished his debut season ranked just inside the top-200 in eight- and nine-cat formats, claiming the starting center job for good in early November. Matkovic’s climb into the Pelicans’ rotation took longer, but he would finish just inside the top-200 in nine-cat formats. Missi offers a higher ceiling as the first-round pick, but neither is a must-draft player, especially if the Pelicans add a veteran center via trade or free agency.

Matkovic has been starting at center for New Orleans, but they’ll be even thinner down low against Miami. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Kylor Kelley are the available options at center for this game, though neither should be an appealing streaming option on a day with 15 games.

Alvarado missed the Pelicans’ game against the Bucks and could be replaced by Elfrid Payton against Miami. Matkovic has a chance to start if healthy, but Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Kylor Kelley are waiting in the wings.

Missi and Olynyk leave the Pelicans’ frontcourt depleted. Karlo Matkovic and Kylor Kelly could be needed to step in and man the painted area.

The Pelicans are down multiple starters as they close out the season. Payton offers value for fantasy managers needing assists, while Reeves can be helpful as a three-point option. All five players are worth streaming in active leagues, with Payton, Reeves and Matkovic being the priorities.

Missi’s name was added to the Pelicans’ lengthy list of absentees Thursday morning, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Fellow rookie Karlo Matkovic should fill the void and play plenty. Managers in active leagues should add him to their lineups due to New Orleans’ lack of depth.

Olynyk will receive a rest day on Sunday, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Pelicans coach Willie Green has been willing to start Karlo Matkovic alongside Yves Missi in the past, and he may take a similar approach on Sunday. Another potential replacement is Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who does not offer much streaming value as a starter.

While Olynyk’s case of Achilles tendonosis is a new injury, this is not the first time Hawkins has dealt with lower back spasms. Karlo Matkovic’s minutes would increase if Olynyk cannot play, with the rookie possibly moving into the starting lineup. As for what the Pelicans would do if Hawkins cannot play, Antonio Reeves will likely play additional minutes.

Matkovic started on Sunday, but he only logged 16 minutes. With Yves Missi back, Matkovic returned to a reserve role, but he ended up having more success on Monday. He matched his career-high for points and nearly recorded a double-double while still providing multiple swats and triples. The 23-year-old has shown some upside in recent weeks, and he should continue to play a significant role for the remainder of the season, with some spot starts sprinkled in.

Missi is back after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Pistons. His return means Karlo Matkovic will head to the bench, which limits his fantasy value.