New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (personal) is uncertain to suit up for Wednesday's season opener against the Chicago Bulls. Murray is currently away from the team due to a family emergency. Head coach Willie Green said the team was hopeful that Murray would return for a workout on Tuesday. It seems that Murray is trending towards a game-time decision ahead of Wednesday's game. Backup guard Jose Alvarado (knee) is listed as questionable for this game as well. CJ McCollum would likely be asked to be the primary ball handler if Murray sits out. Also, Jordan Hawkins and Antonio Reeves would see more minutes in the rotation.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (knee) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the season opener against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Alvarado is currently dealing with a right knee contusion that could possibly sideline him for Wednesday's game or longer. The 26-year-old figures to be the primary backup to Dejounte Murray (personal) who is also questionable for this game. The Pelicans could be in some trouble if both guards are unable to play. Jordan Hawkins or Antonio Reeves would be candidates for more minutes if Alvarado sits out. Hawkins is the more appealing option between the two, but there should be better streaming choices available.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III received his payday on Monday as he signed a rookie contract extension. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the former 17th-overall pick signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension. Murphy has had some injury issues over the last couple of seasons but has still turned himself into an important piece to the Pelicans' success. Last season, he averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 3.0 threes while playing 29.6 minutes per game. The addition of Dejounte Murray will likely take some opportunities away, but Murphy is still a solid contributor in category fantasy formats.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram will not play in the team's first preseason game on Monday against the Orlando Magic. Head coach Willie Green confirmed that this decision is not injury related, it was actually a "collective decision" that he wouldn't play. At this point, it seems like it's more of a game to get a feel for some of the others on the team. There could be an underlying story here, but there haven't been any reports or rumors to suggest that right now. On unofficial depth charts, Ingram is still listed as a starting forward, but he's been the center of trade rumors for a couple of seasons now. His status will be something to monitor going into their second game on Friday.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (hamstring) will likely miss the start of the season. The 24-year-old sustained a right hamstring strain in Wednesday's practice, and the team announced that Murphy III will be re-evaluated in three weeks. New Orleans starts its campaign on Oct. 23 against Chicago. Murphy III mostly came off the bench for the Pelicans last term but continued to play an integral part in the rotation, averaging 29.6 minutes per game. Jordan Hawkins and Matt Ryan could get extra action without Murphy III.