New Orleans Pelicans DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (illness) will play on Sunday versus Detroit. He popped up on the injury report because of an illness. Fortunately, the 26-year-old will suit up, which is great news, considering Zion Williamson (back) isn't available. Alvarado has averaged 13.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals in 14 starts during the 2024-25 campaign. Yet, the Pels have plenty of names listed on the injury report, meaning Alvarado could be more productive. Keep him starting in all fantasy formats.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (back) won't play on Sunday against Detroit. After appearing in a career-high 70 games last season, the former Duke Blue Devil has been on the floor only 30 times throughout the 2024-25 campaign. He's battled various ailments during the year. Yet, a back injury will keep him off the floor for a second-straight contest. The Pelicans aren't going to the postseason, so it's unknown how much work Williamson will see moving ahead. But it's not an ideal scenario for those hunting for a fantasy basketball title. With Yves Missi (hip) also sidelined for Sunday's contest, Bruce Brown, amassing 14 points in Friday's blowout loss to the Timberwolves, will probably remain in the starting lineup. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should also stay in the rotation.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/centerZion Williamson(back) won't play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Williamson was previously left off the injury but will now be sidelined due to a lower back contusion. The Pelicans superstar had played in two straight games, and on Wednesday, he finished with 29 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and three steals across 30 minutes against the Timberwolves. Bruce Brown will have an increased role with Williamson on the shelf this evening.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (shoulder) has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024-25 season. The 24-year-old injured his right shoulder in Monday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons and has been diagnosed with a torn labrum and partial tear of the rotator cuff in his shoulder. This marks a very sad ending to a big year for Murphy III, who averaged career highs in multiple categories, including points (21.2), rebounding (5.1), and assists (3.5). With Murphy III done for the year, Jordan Hawkins, Jose Alvarado, and Bruce Brown are likely to receive more playing opportunities for the rest of the way.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Kelly Olynyk (finger) will be active on Monday against the Detroit Pistons. The versatile veteran is dealing with a sprained finger, but the team has upgraded Olynyk's status from questionable to available. Since acquiring him from the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans has regularly used Olynyk as a starter. The 33-year-old is averaging 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists with his new squad.