New Orleans Pelicans guard Kira Lewis Jr. is landing with the Toronto Raptors in a trade that sends star forward Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks. The Pelicans are also including a second-rounder that will go to Indiana. The No. 13 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Lewis finds himself in the final year of his rookie contract without a whole lot of NBA success under his belt. Lewis has never started a game in the Big Easy, most recently averaging a mere 2.9 points and 1.2 assists in 9.6 minutes over 15 showings this season. The 22-year-old former Alabama standout possesses strong passing skills and defensive ability that could emerge from the shadows at some point with the Raptors. Don't expect immediate fantasy value out of Lewis in Toronto's crowded backcourt, but he's a name to monitor during "silly season".
Kira Lewis Jr. Reportedly Facing An Exit From New Orleans
New Orleans Pelicans guard Kira Lewis Jr. is facing an uncertain future and might not suit up for the team next season. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Lewis Jr. could be traded to save cash. Getting rid of Lewis Jr.'s salary would help the Pelicans avoid luxury tax. Lewis Jr. was the 13th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, but he hasn't made much noise in the league so far. A knee injury ended his sophomore campaign early and the 22-year-old played in just 25 games in 2022-23, averaging 4.6 points in 9.4 minutes.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Kira Lewis Jr. (knee) has been assigned to the Pelicans' G League affiliate Birmingham Squadron. The 21-year-old guard suffered a torn ACL in December of 2021. The fact he's heading to the G-League is a good sign for his recovery process. It's uncertain when we'll see Lewis on the court again or if he'll play before the end of this season. Regardless, it's unlikely that Lewis plays meaningful minutes for the Pelicans this season. However, it's great to see the young guard finally making some good progress.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Kira Lewis Jr. (knee) will miss the rest of the season after suffering multiple injuries. The second-year guard has suffered a torn right ACL and Grade 2 MCL sprain. His absence will mean Josh Hart should handle the ball more, while Tomas Satoransky gets more minutes. Also, Devonte' Graham could see more playing time as the starter. Hart is likely going to benefit the most out of the three and is worth rostering in most fantasy formats. Satoransky could have some deep league appeal, but doesn't need to be rostered everywhere.
Brandon Ingram, Kira Lewis Jr. Will Suit Up Friday
New Orleans Pelicans small/power forward Brandon Ingram (toe) and point/shooting guard Kira Lewis Jr. (calf) have both been given the thumbs up to get back into action Friday against Philadelphia. Ingram has missed the past five outings due to toe irritation, while Lewis has been out for three contests. Averaging the same scoring total as last season (23.8 PPG), Ingram has proven to be integral not only for New Orleans, but as a staple for season-long fantasy managers as well. Lewis has become a vital member of the Pelicans' bench unit over the last month, and he stands to be a strong DFS play Friday with Lonzo Ball (hip) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ankle) unavailable.
Brandon Ingram And Kira Lewis Jr. Questionable Again
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (foot) and guard Kira Lewis Jr. (calf) are both questionable to play Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Both Ingram and Lewis have been out for the past week, give or take, and have been closer to game-time decisions for most of that time. Ingram seems closer to returning of the two and head coach Stan Van Gundy is hopeful he will return sometime this weekend. If Ingram is out again, James Johnson should get another spot start. If Lewis remains out, Isaiah Thomas and Eric Bledsoe should be in line for a ton of minutes, especially with Lonzo Ball (hip) still banged up.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Kira Lewis Jr. (calf) and forward Brandon Ingram (foot) are both out Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. Ingram appears closer to making a return, but will miss his fifth-straight game while Lewis will miss his second straight. The Pelicans have lost three of the past four games without Ingram and are likely not willing to rush him back. James Johnson has been starting for Ingram and putting up big defensive numbers with his ability to contribute across the board. With Lewis out, Isaiah Thomas was able to play decent minutes in his Pelicans debut while starters Eric Bledsoe and Lonzo Ball have picked up some extra run as well.
Brandon Ingram, Kira Lewis Jr. Will Miss Tuesday’s Game
New Orleans Pelicans small/power forward Brandon Ingram (toe) and point/shooting guard Kira Lewis Jr. (calf) have both been ruled out for Tuesday's contest against Atlanta. Ingram's absence due to a toe ailment will now stretch to a fourth game, while Lewis is out of the mix for a second straight outing due to a strained calf. Zion Williamson, Eric Bledsoe and Lonzo Ball stand to key the offense in the injured duo's absence, with Isaiah Thomas likely to crack the rotation in the backcourt. The next chance that Ingram/Lewis will have to suit up comes Wednesday versus the Nets.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Kira Lewis Jr. (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Houston Rockets. He'll sit out this game after his best outing of the season on Friday. Regardless, Lewis was going to see less action with Lonzo Ball (hip) returning to the starting five on Friday. Eric Bledsoe and Nickeil Alexander-Walker should be favorable DFS options with the Pelicans banged up on Sunday.
