New Orleans Pelicans DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

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.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (personal) will play on Wednesday against Chicago. He was away while dealing with a personal matter. However, the veteran was at shootaround on Wednesday and warmed up with the team, so fantasy managers had a feeling he'd be out there. Without Zion Williamson (illness) available, Murray could surge versus the Bulls. He'll also be a popular DFS option.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Dejounte Murray (personal) has been upgraded from questionable to probable for Wednesday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. He was away from the team due to a personal matter, although he was spotted at shootaround on Wednesday and is currently warming up. Of course, anything can change, but it appears fantasy managers will have him in the lineup for opening night. With Zion Williamson (illness) out, Murray could exceed his fantasy expectations, especially on the scoring end.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (illness) won't play against the Bulls on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has been under the weather, so fantasy managers already felt things were moving in this direction. However, he missed shootaround on Wednesday, which further solidified he wouldn't be good to go. Without Williamson in the lineup, Javonte Green may roll with the first five. But Dejounte Murray (personal), assuming he plays, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum will likely benefit the most.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (hamstring) will remain on the sidelines for Wednesday's season opener against Chicago. He was given a three-week timeline for his return when Murphy III strained his right hamstring at the start of October. Unfortunately, Wednesday's game comes too soon for him to be ready to play. According to The Athletic's Will Guillory, Murphy III said on Tuesday that he's "making steady progress with his rehab." New Orleans' jack of all trades has started jogging but isn't yet clear for printing or physical contact. It looks like Murphy III might still be a couple of weeks away from playing. Herbert Jones and three-point bomber Jordan Hawkins should be the biggest beneficiaries of Murphy III's absence.