New Orleans Pelicans DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (adductor) will remain out on Friday versus Golden State. He has been downgraded from doubtful to out, missing a 13th consecutive game. Elfrid Payton should receive another start with McCollum on the shelf. He had a solid season debut with 11 points, five rebounds, and eight assists on Wednesday against Cleveland. The Pelicans will have Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Jordan Hawkins (back) back on Friday, but their return will likely impact Brandon Boston Jr. more.

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (adductor) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. McCollum has been out since Oct. 29 due to a right adductor strain but has been cleared for practice, indicating he could be nearing a return. If he remains sidelined for Friday's matchup, Brandon Boston Jr. and Elfrid Payton might take on additional minutes. McCollum has made a strong impact in his four appearances this season, averaging 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, though fantasy managers may need to exercise patience as his recovery continues.

New Orleans Pelicans forwardTrey Murphy III (hamstring) will not play Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Murphy is likely sidelined due to the Cavs playing the second leg of back-to-back games. Versus Dallas on Tuesday, the 24-year-old collected 19 points, five rebounds, and two steals in 29 minutes on the floor. WithBrandon Ingram(ankles) also unavailable, Javonte Green,Brandon Boston, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earlwill likely relied upon more than usual.

On Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania said on the Pat McAfee show that New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) will be out for a "considerable amount of time." The Pelicans had already announced Saturday that the 24-year-old would be out indefinitely. Williamson has averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks this regular season. However, he's been limited to only six games. With Williamson out moving forward,Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, averaging 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in two starts this season, can hopefully continue to fill the void in the rotation.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. This will be the fourth straight game that Alvarado has missed due to his hamstring strain. With the Pelicans dealing with a litany of injuries, the sooner the 26-year-old can get his high-energy style back on the court the better. Expect Brandon Boston Jr. (12.3 PPG) to continue getting additional minutes.