Kelly

Olynyk

Did the Pelicans view Olynyk as an excellent fit next to Zion Williamson and Yves Missi when they acquired him from the Raptors? If so, the front office deserves credit for getting him in the Brandon Ingram trade. Olynyk was excellent against the Jazz, scoring 26 points on efficient shooting. With Williamson and Missi on the court, there’s a need for a spacer in the Pelicans frontcourt, and Olynyk fits that role. Olynyk can provide reliable fantasy value as a starter for as long as he’s available.

Both players sat out the second night of the back-to-back on Friday, but they’ll be back in the lineup against Utah. Jordan Hawkins, Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown started on Friday in place of McCollum, Williamson and Karlo Matkovic, who came off the bench. The return of McCollum and Williamson will alter the starting unit, and there is a chance that Matkovic moves back into the opening group.

With Olynyk available after not playing on Thursday, he started while rookie Karlo Matkovic was pushed to the bench. The “Lunch Lady” had a solid night at the office, but this wasn’t the kind of performance that will force many fantasy managers to rush to their computers to add Olynyk. As for Matkovic, he shot 1-of-8 from the field and finished with two points, five rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes. Olynyk’s ROS fantasy value hinges on the Pelicans’ deciding how available he’ll be. If the front office decides to pull the plug on its veterans, Matkovic will be one of the beneficiaries.

Murphy and Missi are the only holdovers from the lineup that started Thursday’s win over the Suns. Hawkins moves into the starting five with CJ McCollum out, while Brown and Olynyk start after not playing on Thursday. Zion Williamson is unavailable, while rookie Karlo Matkovic will come off the bench.

Thursday’s game is the first of two in as many nights the Pelicans will play in Phoenix, so some availability issues were expected. Olynyk’s absence is more impactful, opening up a place within the starting lineup. Karlo Matkovic and Jose Alvarado are potential replacements. Both will have added value whether they start or come off the bench, as Brown is one of the Pelicans’ better reserves.

After providing minimal value in his Pelicans debut on Friday, Olynyk was far better against the Spurs. He recorded his first double-double of the season, and the 15 rebounds were the most he’d had in a game since April 2, 2023, as a member of the Jazz. Experienced fantasy managers likely recall some of Olynyk’s past “silly season” exploits, which is why he has value in deep leagues. He’s only rostered in four percent of Yahoo! leagues, but that percentage may increase, especially with the Pelicans scheduled to play a back-to-back during Week 17.

Traded to the Pelicans at the February 6 deadline, Olynyk debuted as a starter on Friday. Unfortunately, the production wasn’t there for the veteran big, who has the potential to provide reliable value during the “silly season.” However, Friday’s performance won’t convince most fantasy managers to roll the dice on Olynyk in the short term. Fellow starter Yves Missi didn’t score much on Friday, finishing with six points, but the rookie did record 10 rebounds and four blocked shots in 23 minutes. Rostered in 23 percent of Yahoo leagues, he’s the player who fantasy managers should be more willing to gamble on ahead of the “silly season.”

Olynyk will make his first start as a Pelican in one of two changes to the lineup that started New Orleans’ final game before the All-Star break. He fills the void left by Javonte Green, who was waived earlier this week. The other change is Williamson, who returns to action after sitting out the February 13 win over Sacramento. Jose Alvarado heads to the bench but should continue to figure prominently in the rotation.

Missi suffered a hyperextended right knee in the Pelicans’ final game before the All-Star break, a February 13 win over the Kings. If he’s unable to play on Friday, fellow rookie Karlo Matkovic will play more, likely as the starter. Also, Kelly Olynyk will be available to make his Pelicans’ debut, improving the team’s interior depth.

Olynyk was sent to New Orleans as part of the Brandon Ingram trade, but Friday’s game will be the first time that he’ll be available to suit up for his new team. Yves Missi (knee) is questionable, so there is a chance that Olynyk sees an extended workload in his first game with the Pelicans. Olynyk’s presence in the lineup may also cut into Karlo Matkovic’s minutes.