New Orleans Pelicans DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (rest) is back in the starting five ahead of Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz. The superstar forward is back in the mix following a rest day on Friday. It was the second leg of a back-to-back set, which always means Williamson is going to sit out. The Pelicans continue to be cautious with the oft-injured forward. When active, Williamson has been an excellent fantasy option, so fantasy managers should get him active in their lineups on Sunday.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Boston Jr. (ankle) will sit out an eighth consecutive game on Friday against the Phoenix Suns. He is struggling to overcome a left ankle sprain. Boston Jr. has looked promising with the Pelicans this season, and the team appears to have big plans for him. On Wednesday, the Pelicans converted Boston Jr.'s two-way contract into a standard two-year deal. He has averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals during his fourth year in the league. With Boston Jr. unavailable, Jordan Hawkins and Bruce Brown have more playing opportunities.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (conditioning) will be sidelined on Friday for the second half of their back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns. He's officially listed on the injury report as "return to competition reconditioning," but it was pretty much expected since he hasn't been playing back-to-backs. Bruce Brown may see a bigger chunk of minutes since he's off of the injury report, or the Pelicans could go with a smaller lineup and give Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado more minutes. Fantasy managers can look towards the latter two for a more consistent streaming option after they both posted double-digit points on Thursday. Alvarado even posted three steals to go with five assists.

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (rest) has been ruled out for the Friday night rematch against the Phoenix Suns while he receives a rest day. This is the back half of a back-to-back, and the Pelicans are fresh off of a win over the Suns on Thursday where McCollum posted 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists. On Friday, Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado should both see a boost in minutes while McCollum and Zion Williamson (injury management) are both sidelined this time around. Hawkins finished with 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks on Thursday while Alvarado had 14 points, five assists, and three steals.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forwardBruce Brown (rest)won't suit up against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Brown will have the evening off to rest during the first half of back-to-back games against the Suns. He has played in five games since joining the Pelicans via trade from the Raptors recently. The 28-year-old seems to be taking on a larger role with his new club as he posted eight points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals across 29 minutes in a 109-103 overtime win over the Spurs on Tuesday. With Brown on the shelf, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins could undoubtedly see an uptick in minutes during Thursday's contest.