Elfrid

Payton

Payton recorded a statistical oddity Friday against the Heat as the 31-year-old point guard put up a double-double with 10 rebounds and 13 assists. Payton was also -41 in 29 minutes as the Pelicans lost to the Heat by 49 points. Payton has been a reliable assist man in the final weeks of the regular season, though he hasn’t provided much else outside of the 10 rebounds Friday.

Alvarado returns from a calf injury that sidelined him for Thursday’s loss to the Bucks. However, he replaces Antonio Reeves in the starting lineup, not Payton. The other change of note is Kelley, who will start due to the absences of Yves Missi and Karl Matkovic.

Alvarado is back after sitting out Thursday’s loss to the Bucks. His return means Elfrid Payton will come off the bench, a role in which the veteran point guard is less valuable in most fantasy leagues. However, he’s worth holding onto if there’s a need for assist production, as Payton’s averaged 9.6 per game over the past two weeks.

Initially on a 10-day contract, the standard deal ensures Payton will be available for New Orleans’ final two games of the season. While the veteran point guard does not provide much value as a scorer, he’s been a positive asset in the assist category. Payton has averaged 9.6 assists per game over the past two weeks. How much he plays in the final two games depends on the availability of Jose Alvarado, who’s questionable for Friday’s game against the Heat.

Alvarado missed the Pelicans’ game against the Bucks and could be replaced by Elfrid Payton against Miami. Matkovic has a chance to start if healthy, but Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Kylor Kelley are waiting in the wings.

These two starters missing time could have major implications. Elfrid Payton is a playmaking machine with 10 or more assists in three straight games and Keion Brooks has an even better chance at notching another start with Kelly Olynyk already ruled out.

Alvarado and Olynyk both missed Sunday’s game but are back in the lineup to take on Brooklyn. Their returns will push Elfrid Payton and Keion Brooks Jr. back to the bench, which will limit their role and fantasy impact.

The pair sat out Sunday against the Bucks, but they’ll both be back to take on the Nets. Olynyk and Alvarado should reclaim their starting spots from Antonio Reeves and Elfrid Payton, respectively.

Alvarado and Olynyk were held out of Sunday’s loss to the Bucks, with Elfrid Payton and Antonio Reeves moving into the starting lineup. Reeves’s inclusion shifted Keion Brooks Jr. and Bruce Brown down a position in the lineup. Brown is the best streaming option for managers in active leagues, while Payton can provide assists.

Alvarado will not play in Sunday’s game, opening up a spot in the Pelicans’ starting lineup. Elfrid Payton should be the replacement, and while his scoring output can be limited, he’s worth streaming for deep-league managers needing assists.