Atlanta Hawks forward Larry Nance Jr. (hand) is questionable for Monday's meeting with the Timberwolves. The veteran missed nearly a month after undergoing surgery on his right hand. But he returned on Saturday against the Raptors, finishing with four points in 20 minutes. The Hawks play consecutive games on Monday and Tuesday, so head coach Quin Snyder may keep him out for one of them. But with Trae Young (hamstring) and Jalen Johnson (shoulder) ruled out, and De'Andre Hunter (illness) and Zaccharie Risacher (adductor) questionable, Nance may find himself in the starting lineup, just like he was on Saturday. But depending on who is available, David Roddy may begin the game on the court, with the 23-year-old averaging 10.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals in two starts this season.
Atlanta Hawks forward Larry Nance Jr. (hand) will play on Saturday versus the Raptors. The veteran hasn't played in nearly a month after undergoing surgery on his right hand. Under normal circumstances, Nance doesn't usually see much action. However, with Jalen Johnson (shoulder), De'Andre Hunter (illness), and Zaccharie Risacher (hamstring) sidelined, Nance could be more involved than initially planned. Still, David Roddy, who will likely start, should see plenty of minutes at the four, giving him streaming appeal for fantasy managers.
Larry Nance Jr. Will Undergo Surgery On His Hand Thursday
The Atlanta Hawks announced that forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (hand) will undergo surgery on Thursday after imaging confirmed a fractured fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand. A recovery timetable has yet to be provided, but the 31-year-old will likely miss several weeks after playing very well in December. Despite Nance's upcoming extended absence, Onyeka Okongwu did return for the Hawks on Sunday after missing five consecutive contests due to inflammation in his left knee.
Larry Nance Jr. Excited To Work With Quin Snyder In Atlanta
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Larry Nance Jr. believes he will have a great time playing under the guidance of Quin Snyder. "Quin is a basketball mastermind," Nance Jr. told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Lauren L. Williams. "I was a huge fan of his when he was at Utah, and obviously, these past few years in Atlanta. Now I'm excited to play for him, and we're gonna get along really well. Yeah, I consider myself a high-IQ basketball player, and he's very high IQ." Nance Jr.'s production has dipped in recent years, and he will attempt to produce a bounce-back campaign under a new coach on a different team. However, he needs to avoid health troubles to make it happen. The 31-year-old has never played more than 67 games in a single NBA campaign.
The Hawks acquired forward Larry Nance Jr. from the Pelicans as a part of the trade that sent Dejounte Murray to New Orleans. Nance began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and made stops in Cleveland and Portland before landing in New Orleans. Since his most productive season with the Cavs in 2019-20, his statistical contributions have declined over the years, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging just 5.7 points and 5.0 rebounds. Nance will likely play sparingly this season, so he won't draw much attention from fantasy managers. Also included in Friday's trade, the Hawks receive EJ Liddell, Dyson Daniels, and two first-round picks.
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (personal) won't be available on Thursday versus Sacramento. He comes out of the lineup for personal reasons after playing in each of the last 12 games. Nance Jr.'s absence should mean a busy night for Jonas Valanciunas against his fellow Lithuanian big man Domantas Sabonis. In four previous head-to-head battles this season, Valanciunas has logged 14.5 points and 11.8 rebounds in 25.0 minutes.
Larry Nance Jr. Will Remain Out For Up To Two Weeks
New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (ribs) was diagnosed with a right rib fracture and the team is going to re-evaluate him in 10-to-14 days to determine the healing process and figure out a firm timetable for his return. The veteran forward was playing a depth role off of the bench as he averaged 3.8 points and 4.4 rebounds across 15.7 minutes per game. While he's out, Naji Marshall, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Matt Ryan will continue seeing minutes off of the bench. Marshall has seen the most minutes so far, so he'd likely be the best streaming option of the three.
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (ankle) expects to play in Wednesday's season opener against the Grizzlies. He announced that his left ankle "feels great," and in his eyes, playing in the first game of the season "was never a question." Nance Jr. has never featured in more than 67 games during a season, so injuries are nothing new for the eight-year veteran. It's good to know that he can kick off the new campaign without any health issues. The 30-year-old finished last season averaging 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 21.2 minutes. His fantasy value is limited as long as Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas are healthy.
Pelicans Hope To Have Larry Nance Jr. Ready For Season Opener
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (ankle) is in doubt for the team's season opener, but general manager Trajan Langdon hopes to have him available. Last week, the Pelicans announced Nance had received a biological injection to stimulate the healing process in his left ankle, and he is expected to return to basketball activities in two to three weeks. The 30-year-old enjoyed his first full season in New Orleans last term, shooting a career-high 61 percent from the field and contributing 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds off the bench. Langdon also hopes to get guard Jose Alvarado (ankle) in the lineup for the season opener, which comes on Oct. 25 for the Pelicans against Memphis.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's playoff contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nance was able to play 17 minutes during Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, it appears the left ankle issue is still bothering Nance. His absence should open up additional playing time for Jaxson Hayes. Although, it's unlikely that Nance gets enough playing time to warrant using in DFS contests.