Walker Kessler (shoulder) fully cleared

After scoring 23 points for the Pelicans G League affiliate earlier in the day, Pierre ended up scoring in double figures for the second time in one day in this game. The 58th pick this past summer, this was the first time Pierre has played outside of blowouts, so it was good to see him play well. However, he shouldn’t be considered more than a dynasty stash at this point.

The Cavaliers were without their entire starting five on the second night of a back-to-back, with nationwide travel disruptions on Friday contributing to a lengthy list of absences. Donovan Mitchell (knee), James Harden (calf), Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Jarrett Allen (knee) were all ruled out, while Evan Mobley missed his second consecutive game due to a toe sprain he sustained earlier this week. Proctor stepped up to lead Cleveland to an unexpected win by shooting over 50 percent from the floor, including 4-of-13 from three-point range. It was his first career triple-double. He’s played over 22 minutes in five consecutive games and has topped 15 points in three straight during that span. Cleveland has a three-game week coming up with home matchups against the Bulls, Grizzlies and Pacers.

Irving was one of the few bright spots for Dallas in this one as they struggled to get anything going offensively until it was too late. The veteran point guard knocked down 7-of-16 from three-point range and fell just one point shy of matching his previous season-high, which he set earlier this week against the Pacers. He’s delivered second-round fantasy value this season, averaging 22.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks through 11 games. The Mavericks are back in action with a quick turnaround when they face the Celtics, another one of Irving’s former teams, on Sunday.

Bryant recorded a double-double after drawing the start at center with both Jarrett Allen (knee) and Evan Mobley (toe) both out of action. The 29-year-old big man has played sparingly this season, but could wind up seeing additional minutes off the bench if Mobley is out for an extended period. Cleveland has a three-game week coming up with home matchups against the Bulls, Grizzlies and Pacers.

Zion has taken major strides this season, and it has helped in fantasy hoops. Unfortunately, this was the third game this season that he failed to record a steal, which has been a strength for him, and he had his worst night at the free throw line this season, though he has improved overall this year. He made up for it by matching his season high for both three-pointers and blocks. Despite the lack of team success, Zion continues to fill up the box score.

Outside of the blocks, it wasn’t a great performance in his first game back. However, he was on a restriction that limited him to 22 minutes, and it was his first game since Oct. 23, which was a game he played just nine minutes. Basically, comparing it to his monster season-opening performance isn’t fair. Still, he immediately started, and he should keep that role moving forward. Keep holding on, and he should get better as he logs more games.

After a rough 2025-26 campaign, Braun’s start to this season was rough. However, he has had some solid performances, and this was one of his best. His biggest improvement from last season has been on the defensive end, as he has been one of the best sources of steals so far this season. He hasn’t shot the ball as efficiently as he has in previous seasons, but he has made up for it on defense and will look to keep it going entering a four-game week.

Murray has had an excellent season, but he has really picked things up over their last three games, averaging 30.3 points, 6.3 assists, 2.0 blocks and 3.0 triples per game while shooting 60.3 percent from the floor. He is averaging a block per game this season and has exactly two in three straight, but after averaging 0.4 swats per game last season, that mark will regress as the season continues. Still, it has been a fantastic start to the season for him, and with a four-game week coming up, he should continue to thrive for fantasy managers.

It was a slow start to the year for Jokić, but he is starting to pick things up, especially over the last three games, where he has averaged 26.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game while shooting 58.8 percent from the floor. The main improvement has been in his shooting percentage, as he is still at 51 percent on the season, which is well below his mark in recent years. This was the third time they’ve played the Pelicans this season, and while they did win all three, this was the only game where Jokić didn’t finish with a triple-double. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, they don’t play New Orleans again until April.