New Orleans

Pelicans

Murphy hasn’t played since the Pelicans’ last game before the All-Star break and remains out with a right shoulder contusion. Jeremiah Fears has seen increased usage with Murphy out, but with Dejounte Murray (Achilles) expected back Tuesday, the backcourt hierarchy could change.

Murphy hasn’t played since the final game before the All-Star break, but a return appears to be imminent. Until Murphy is back, Jeremiah Fears and Bryce McGowens should see additional run, but the return of Dejounte Murray (Achilles) adds uncertainty to New Orleans’ rotation.

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.

Poole made a huge impact off the bench in this one, knocking down 5-of-11 from downtown to reach the 20-point mark for the first time since January 11. The 26-year-old guard The Pelicans have won three of their last five contests and will try to keep things going in the right direction with a four-game week coming up that features a pair of matchups against the Jazz in addition to facing the Warriors and Clippers.

Jordan delivered double-digit rebounds and nearly reached the lofty 20-stock plateau in just his second start of the season. It was his first appearance since October 29. The 37-year-old veteran offers some decent streaming appeal as a rebounding and blocks specialist when he’s in the lineup, but his opportunities have been limited with the rebuilding Pelicans.

Having last appeared in a game on October 29, Jordan will make his third appearance and second start of the season on Saturday. He’ll match up with Andre Drummond, with the Pelicans likely hoping that their veteran pivot can keep his 76ers counterpart off the glass. Bryce McGowens heads to the bench.

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.

Missi is set to miss his third game in a row with a calf injury. Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney figure to take on the center duties for New Orleans in Missi’s absence, though neither are worth streaming in most fantasy leagues.

Murphy hurt his shoulder in the Pelicans’ final game before the All-Star break and is now set to miss the first two games of the second half of the season. Jeremiah Fears figures to start and have a higher fantasy ceiling with Murphy sidelined.