Trey

Murphy

Williamson had to leave Saturday’s win over the Jazz during the second quarter, and Sunday’s game will be the first that he’s missed since December 11. With Trey Murphy (shoulder) back, he can slide into Williamson’s spot in the starting lineup, while Dejounte Murray replaces Bryce McGowens.

Murphy is back after missing the last five games with a right shoulder contusion. Sunday’s game will be the first this season that he and Dejounte Murray (Achilles) have played together. If Zion Williamson (ankle) can’t play, Saddiq Bey and DeAndre Jordan should remain in the starting lineup. One will likely head to the bench if Zion plays.

Saturday’s game will be the fifth that Murphy has missed with a right shoulder contusion. With Dejounte Murray also out, for injury management reasons, it’s possible that Derik Queen returns to the starting lineup. However, fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears is another option for the Pelicans if they prefer to start a point guard.

Murphy will miss a fourth straight game with this shoulder injury that he suffered prior to the All-Star break. Dejounte Murray (Achilles) made his season debut on Tuesday and should continue to start with Murphy sidelined.

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.

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.

On the same day that he agreed to a three-year deal, McGowens has been moved into the Pelicans’ starting lineup. He’ll fill the void left by Trey Murphy, who is out with a right shoulder contusion suffered before the All-Star break.

No surprise here, as Murphy received a doubtful tag on Thursday evening. Murphy’s absence will leave a major scoring void for New Orleans, and Jeremiah Fears should see an opportunity to help fill it.

Murphy exited the Pelicans’ last game before the All-Star break with a right shoulder injury, the same one that he suffered a torn labrum in last season. While the Pelicans don’t have an incentive to tank, there’s no need for them to take any chances with Murphy. His absence may open the door for Jeremiah Fears to return to the starting lineup; that would raise the rookie’s fantasy ceiling if so.