New Orleans Pelicans DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green says that forward Trey Murphy III (knee) is out for the second game in a row on Tuesday versus the visiting Brooklyn Nets. The Pelicans have a quick turnaround on the road for Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, so Murphy will try to overcome soreness in his left knee and get back in the mix during that one. Herbert Jones has quieted down following a strong start to the year, but he is giving New Orleans 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 threes, and 2.9 combined steals plus blocks in 18 games without Murphy this season. That means Jones should be a popular choice for Tuesday's six-game slate in DFS.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle spoke on the injury to guard/forward Bruce Brown (knee) on Tuesday, hinting that he could return on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Brown hasn't been seen on the floor since Dec. 21 with a right knee bone bruise. The Pacers begin a five-game homestand on Wednesday, so Brown should have a good opportunity to return from his absence at some stage during this swing. The position-less 27-year-old has gotten lost in the shuffle at times in the No. 1 Pacers offense with so many scoring options around him, but he is still chipping in 11.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 threes per game and should be rostered in most nine-category fantasy leagues. With Andrew Nembhard (back) doubtful versus the Bucks, Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, and Buddy Hield would all be asked to step up if Brown remains sidelined as well.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (knee) could be sidelined for a second consecutive game, with the team listing him as questionable for Tuesday's action versus Brooklyn. Murphy III has a sore left knee. A meniscus injury in the same knee forced him to sit out the start of the season, so the team likely won't want to rush him back. The 23-year-old has made 12 appearances in 2023-24, posting 14.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in 27.0 minutes with 42.3 percent shooting from downtown. He's been a key guy off the bench, but Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado have larger roles off the pine without Murphy III. Both played well against the Lakers at the weekend but haven't been consistent.

Indiana Pacers forward Bruce Brown (knee) will not return on Monday, which pushes his streak to five consecutive games missed. There has been some movement in the starting five while he's been sidelined. Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Jalen Smith all joined the starting five in their last contest against the New York Knicks. It seems that Nesmith is the one who took Brown's spot while he's been absent, so whenever Brown does return, it will likely be Nesmith's minutes that take a hit. For now, Nesmith and Nembhard are both quality streaming options in deeper leagues.

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bruce Brown (knee) will likely miss a fifth consecutive game on Monday against Milwaukee. He's officially regarded as doubtful for the contest. Brown's absence has given Andrew Nembhard a chance to join the starting five, and he should continue to benefit on Monday. The 23-year-old is averaging 11.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists for the season as a starter. Buddy Hield and Bennedict Mathurin have also seen a boost in playing time without Brown.