Pelicans waive Caleb Houstan

Houstan spent his first three seasons with the Magic before joining the Hawks on a two-way deal in October. Atlanta would convert him to a standard contract before waiving Houstan in early April. He appeared in 18 NBA games for the Hawks, averaging 2.3 points per game. Houstan will compete for the Pelicans’ final standard roster spot, as his contract is not guaranteed. Kobe Bufkin and Christian Koloko will be in the Pelicans’ camp on similar deals.

With Jock Landale (ankle) sidelined for at least two weeks, the Hawks needed additional depth in the frontcourt. They’re reportedly signed Bradley to address that issue. The veteran center appeared in 38 games for the Pacers earlier this season, averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per game. In a corresponding move, the Hawks have waived Caleb Houstan.

Houstan has played well for the Hawks’ G League affiliate, and the two-way player has been rewarded with a standard deal for the rest of the 2025-26 campaign. He’s logged 4.9 minutes per game across 10 outings for the parent club, and fantasy managers shouldn’t expect a major boost in production. He can remain on the waiver wire.

Left hip inflammation will keep Kennard out of Sunday’s game after logging 24 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Pelicans. Asa Newell and Caleb Houstan may pick up additional minutes off the bench, but neither is worth the risk in fantasy leagues. However, Newell is the one with value in dynasty leagues, regardless of how little he’s played this season.

Kennard, who played 24 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Pelicans, is dealing with left hip inflammation. While his absence would not significantly affect fantasy basketball, it would leave the Hawks down a rotation guard. As a result, Caleb Houstan could be asked to take on a more prominent role after not seeing any action until the final two minutes on Saturday.

Wallace entered training camp on a two-way contract, agreeing to the deal in mid-July. While he did not score more than six points in any of his four preseason appearances, the 6-foot-3 guard dished out 20 assists while committing just five turnovers. Wallace was a worthwhile streamer in deep leagues when the Hawks were without Trae Young last season, but they added Nickeil Alexander-Walker during the summer. The Hawks have not wasted any time filling the two-way slot that belonged to Wallace, as they’ve signed Caleb Houstan.

After spending his first three NBA seasons in Orlando, Houstan is on an Exhibit 10 contract with the Hawks. That status is what makes opportunities like Monday’s so important, as the Hawks did not play their regulars against the Heat. Known primarily for his perimeter shooting ability when entering the NBA, Houstan shot 5-of-8 from three, including a triple with 13 seconds remaining in overtime to give Atlanta a one-point lead. And his rejection of a Keshad Johnson shot in the final seconds preserved the Hawks’ lead. There’s no need to consider Houstan in fantasy drafts, as he isn’t guaranteed to be on the opening night roster, but he may have helped his case on Monday.

The only starter that will be the same as Friday is da Silva. KCP and WCJ sat on Friday but will surprisingly suit up in the inconsequential season finale. With a Play-In matchup with the Hawks coming in just a couple days, it’s unclear how much KCP and WCJ will play. Black will replace the injured Cory Joseph in the starting lineup, with Isaac getting his first start of the season. Gary Harris, Caleb Houstan and Goga Bitadze will come off the bench after starting on Friday, though Houstan and Bitadze should still play significant roles.

Both the Magic’s star forwards have been ruled out again. Tristan da Silva and Caleb Houstan have a good shot at receiving starting nods against Atlanta.

Both star forwards sat out against Indiana on Friday, and since Sunday’s game won’t have any impact on the standings, it would be quite surprising if either Banchero or Wagner suited up. Tristan da Silva and Caleb Houstan should start in their place once again.