New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (hand) suffered a fractured left hand in the team's season opener against the Chicago Bulls. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the star guard underwent a successful surgery on his hand and will now miss four-to-six weeks. Murray registered 30 minutes in the first game with his new team, but will now have to wait until the end of November or the beginning of December to play again. CJ McCollum will take on more opportunities with the starting five while Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado should see some more minutes until Trey Murphy III (hamstring) returns.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (illness) isn't listed on the league's official injury report ahead of Friday's matchup with the Trail Blazers. The former Duke Blue Devil missed Wednesday's opener versus the Chicago Bulls due to an illness. However, he practiced in full on Thursday, with head coach Willie Green stating he "looks like he's good to go." While fantasy managers were discouraged to see him miss the first game of the 2024-25 campaign, they are delighted regarding the latest update. The Pelicans could certainly use him on the floor, considering New Orleans will be without Dejounte Murray (hand) and Trey Murphy III (hamstring) for the foreseeable future. Keep Williamson starting in all fantasy lineups, although his presence may mean fewer scorer opportunities for Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, who combined for 56 points in the opener.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (hamstring) will be sidelined for at least the new two weeks due to a hamstring strain he obtained in early October. Murphy III has not yet been cleared for sprinting or physical contact, though he mentioned earlier this week that he's "making steady progress with his rehab." The additional time missed for the 24-year-old isn't a great sign to start the season, but New Orleans is sure to be a bit cautious with his recovery given his importance to the team whether being the sixth man or a spot starter. While Murphy III rehabs his hamstring, fantasy managers should look to target Javonte Green as a potential replacement. Green scored nine points and recorded four steals while posting up a +14 plus/minus in 25 minutes of action against the Chicago Bulls in their season opener. Jordan Hawkins is also likely to be a beneficiary of additional shooting volume as the 22-year-old put up 13 points and seven rebounds Wednesday.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (hand) had the worst possible debut with the team on Wednesday when he was injured in the season opener against Chicago. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Murray exited the contest with a fractured left hand. He will be sidelined for an "extended period." Murray totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists with one steal in 30 minutes before being forced to exit. His absence should allow Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins to see more action, while CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram get a usage boost, especially with Zion Williamson (illness) out.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (knee) will suit up for Wednesday's matchup against the Bulls. He's been plagued by a right knee contusion and was listed as questionable. Fortunately, he's good to go. The Pelicans could certainly use him, considering the team will be without Zion Williamson (illness). As a result, Alvarado may see more minutes from off the bench, making him a viable fantasy option in any format.