New Orleans Pelicans News

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Zion Williamson • PF • Pelicans

Pelicans Not Interested in Trading Zion Williamson

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is likely to remain part of the team's core in 2026-27. On Tuesday, Pelicans executive Joe Dumars announced that the team is not interested in trading the 2019 first-overall pick. "I'll get those calls," Dumars said. "And even when you say 'no' to people, like, 'No, we're not moving Zion,' within two hours it's out that you've had conversations about trading Zion. Listen, we have no intentions of doing that. We're going into the offseason looking forward to Zion coming back next year and playing great again next year." Williamson endured another injury-plagued season in 2025-26, making 62 appearances. He averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steals. The two-time All-Star has two seasons remaining on a five-year,$193 million contract.

6 days ago

Derik Queen • C • Pelicans

Derik Queen has 30-Point, 22-Rebound Season Finale

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Derik Queen erupted for 30 points, 22 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 41 minutes during Sunday's loss to Minnesota, closing his rookie season on a dominant note. With the Pelicans eliminated from playoff contention, Queen took on a featured role late, showcasing high usage and strong rebounding instincts. He closed the year on a tear with elevated production across the board, putting himself on the radar for next season.

Apr 13

Zion Williamson • PF • Pelicans

Zion Williamson to Remain Out on Sunday

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (knee) won't suit up for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pelicans are out of playoff contention, so it's not shocking to see them holding out Williamson. This is the final game of the regular-season, so that's a wrap on his 2025-2026 season. Williamson finished the season averaging 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 29.7 minutes in 62 games. Derik Queen should play heavy minutes with a majority of the Pelicans players absent for this game. Kevon Looney will back him up, but Quenn is the better DFS play between the two.

Apr 12

Saddiq Bey • PF • Pelicans |

Herbert Jones • SF • Pelicans

Saddiq Bey, Herbert Jones Resting Friday

New Orleans Pelicans forwards Saddiq Bey (rest) and Herbert Jones (rest) have been ruled out for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. Both were listed as questionable on the initial injury report. New Orleans is giving its reserves extended looks during the final week of the regular season, keeping Bey and Jones out of the rotation for a second consecutive game. Zion Williamson (knee), Trey Murphy III (ankle), Dejounte Murray (hand), and Yves Missi (finger) won't suit up either for Friday's tilt, so guys like Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole, and Derik Queen should take on leading roles.

Apr 10

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Unavailable Against Celtics

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) won't be in the lineup on Friday against the Boston Celtics. He is dealing with a right ankle sprain and is skipping a third consecutive contest. Zion Williamson (knee) and Dejounte Murray (hand) are also out, so the trio of Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole, and Micah Peavy should lead the offense on Friday. All three performed well when they started together in Tuesday's win over Utah, combining for 94 of the team's 156 points.

Apr 10

Dejounte Murray • SG • Pelicans

Dejounte Murray Remains Out Friday

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (hand) will miss a fourth consecutive game on Friday against the Boston Celtics. It's also looking unlikely that he will play in the season finale on Sunday after picking up a hand injury. Jeremiah Fears has been on a tear since Murray departed the lineup and should be one of the stars of the show again on Friday night. The 19-year-old posted a franchise rookie record with 40 points in Tuesday's win over Utah and has averaged 29.0 points over the last three games, along with 5.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals.

Apr 10

Zion Williamson • PF • Pelicans

Zion Williamson Won't Suit Up Friday

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (knee) is listed as out for Friday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. The Pelicans are giving their fringe players a chance to impress late in the season, and they didn't play Williamson on Tuesday against Utah, even though he was in the lineup. Now, he will be inactive altogether, along with Yves Missi (hand). That should secure a significant role for Kevon Looney, who tallied seven points, 12 boards, six assists, and two steals in Tuesday's 156-137 win. Derik Queen will also have a clearer path to playing time in the frontcourt. He racked up 17 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks against Utah.

Apr 10

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Out Sunday

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) will sit out Sunday's contest against the Orlando Magic. He has been ruled out due to an ankle sprain after initially being listed as questionable. With Dejounte Murray (hand) also unavailable, Yves Missi, Jeremiah Fears, and Micah Peavy could all enjoy bigger roles in this game. Missi stepped into the starting lineup for Murray on Friday against the Kings, and Fears could find himself joining him in the first unit on Sunday.

Apr 5

Dejounte Murray • SG • Pelicans

Dejounte Murray Misses Second Straight Game

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (hand) will miss Sunday's matchup with the Orlando Magic. He's nursing a left-hand contusion and won't be part of the action for a second consecutive game. Jeremiah Fears had an expanded role without Murray on Friday against Sacramento and looks set for an increased workload again. In Friday's game, Fears produced one of his best performances of the season, finishing with a team-high 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Yves Missi took Murray's spot in the starting lineup but had a relatively quiet outing with six points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Apr 5

Karlo Matković • PF • Pelicans

Karlo Matkovic Remains Out Friday

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic (back) will not play in Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings, marking his second straight absence. Derik Queen could continue to see expanded minutes after posting 12 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals, and one block in 28 minutes last game. Yves Missi may also benefit after recording six points, seven rebounds, and one block in 20 minutes. Queen looks like the more appealing short-term fantasy option for his all-around production, while Missi offers deeper league rebounding and defensive stat appeal.

Apr 3

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Good to Go Friday

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings after recently returning from a three-game absence. Murphy posted 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 36 minutes last game and has averaged 19.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals across his last five appearances. He should remain locked into fantasy lineups without a minute limit. Murphy should continue to play a major scoring role alongside Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey.

Apr 3

Dejounte Murray • SG • Pelicans

Dejounte Murray Won't Play Friday

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles) will sit out the second leg of a back-to-back on Friday night against the Sacramento Kings. He hasn't yet played in both games of a back-to-back set since returning from a torn Achilles in February. Jeremiah Fears, who scored 21 points in 26 minutes off the bench on Thursday against Portland, is expected to have a larger role without Murray. There's also a possibility that we will see Jordan Poole back in the rotation on Friday night.

Apr 3

Karlo Matković • PF • Pelicans

Karlo Matkovic Won't Play Thursday

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. He has landed on the shelf due to lower back spasms after initially carrying a questionable tag on the injury report. Since Matkovic won't be available Thursday, he might not be ready to play on Friday either, when New Orleans visits Sacramento to complete a back-to-back. Yves Missi and Derik Queen will likely benefit the most from Matkovic's absence.

Apr 2

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Returns From Three-Game Absence

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) will make his return to the lineup on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 25-year-old has recovered from an ankle sprain, shedding a questionable tag. Murphy III has missed three games, which has opened the door for Yves Missi to move back into the starting lineup. He will likely be bumped back to the bench on Thursday. During a disappointing campaign, Murphy III's performance has been one of the few positives for the Pelicans. He is averaging a career-high 21.7 points, along with 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. New Orleans is in a pace-up spot on Thursday night, giving Murphy III a good opportunity to put up numbers above his season averages.

Apr 2

Karlo Matković • PF • Pelicans

Karlo Matkovic Dealing With Back Issue, Questionable Thursday

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic (back) is questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. He's been listed on the injury report with lower back spasms. Matkovic serves as a backup big man in New Orleans, notching 6.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game in March. If he isn't healthy enough to play on Thursday night, Yves Missi and Derik Queen will be looking at a heavier workload. Veterans Kevon Looney and DeAndre Jordan are also options in the frontcourt.

Apr 2

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Could Miss Fourth Straight Game

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against Portland and could miss a fourth straight contest due to a right ankle sprain. With the Pelicans out of the playoff race, the team may remain cautious, which keeps Jeremiah Fears and Jordan Hawkins on the deep-league radar for streaming value. Fears posted 12 points, five assists, two steals, and one block in 22 minutes in the last game, while Yves Missi added four blocks as a starter but remains a defensive specialist option. Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray should continue seeing steady usage if Murphy sits.

Apr 1

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Out on Sunday

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) won't return to action on Sunday against the Houston Rockets. He has been ruled out for a third consecutive game after carrying a questionable tag on the initial injury report. With Murphy III out, Yves Missi was brought back into the starting lineup on Friday against Toronto. Unfortunately, he didn't make a significant impact, and it's possible the Pelicans will switch things up again on Sunday. Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, and the returning Dejounte Murray should get plenty of offensive touches without Murphy II.

Mar 29

Dejounte Murray • SG • Pelicans

Dejounte Murray Available Against Rockets

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (hand) will play on Sunday night against the Houston Rockets. After hurting his left hand, Murray was initially listed as questionable on the injury report. Since recovering from a torn Achilles, Murray has posted strong numbers. He has averaged 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.7 steals across 12 appearances. Murray's return will probably send Jeremiah Fears back to the second unit, but he should still play a significant role.

Mar 29

Dejounte Murray • SG • Pelicans

Dejounte Murray Uncertain for Sunday

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (hand) has been tagged as questionable ahead of Sunday's meeting with the Houston Rockets. Murray was unavailable on Friday against Toronto when the Pelicans wrapped up a back-to-back and might now miss another game. He has a left-hand contusion. Trey Murphy III (ankle) is also questionable for Sunday night, so Jeremiah Fears and Yves Missi may remain part of the first unit. As a result of Murray's departure from the lineup, there was also a Jordan Poole sighting in Friday's game. After a 12-point, six-assist effort, Poole might have earned an opportunity to be part of the rotation again on Sunday.

Mar 29

Dejounte Murray • SG • Pelicans

Dejounte Murray to Sit Out on Friday

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. After playing 29 minutes on Thursday, Murray will sit out the second leg of the back-to-back set. Murray made his season debut in late February after missing the beginning of the season while recovering from an Achilles injury. The Pelicans are going to continue being cautious with Murray down the stretch of the season. Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Hawkins, and possibly Jordan Poole should all see more playing time on Friday. Among the trio, Fears is the best streaming option ahead of Friday's slate.

Mar 27

New Orleans Pelicans News

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