Murray (personal) absent from injury report

Fears led the Pelicans with eight assists, but he also recorded six turnovers in Monday’s 138-87 defeat. This was one of his poorer performances of the season, and the Pelicans not having Trey Murphy or Zion Williamson didn’t help either. Fears will look to bounce back on Wednesday when the Pelicans host the Nets. That should be a better matchup for him than the red-hot Warriors were.

The Pelicans didn’t have Trey Murphy or Zion Williamson on Monday, and those absences were certainly felt. Murray shot a solid percentage from the field and led the Pelicans starters in scoring, but it wasn’t enough when the Warriors knocked down 21 three-pointers. Murray has been close to a top-50 player in nine-cat formats, but it’s fair to wonder if his presence in the lineup has limited Jeremiah Fears’ fantasy ceiling. That’s something to watch as the season progresses.

The Pelicans are without Trey Murphy and Zion Williamson for Monday’s game, leaving two spots open in the starting lineup. Jones and Bey will fill the voids, with the latter being the better streamer for fantasy managers seeking offensive production.

Murphy III is a late addition to Monday’s injury report, which doesn’t bode well for his availability against Golden State. If Murphy III is ultimately sidelined, Saddiq Bey and Herbert Jones could absorb his minutes.

Fears continues to spread his wings as the Pelicans’ point guard, scoring at least 19 points in three straight games and in five of his last six appearances. What’s especially encouraging for those rostering the second-year guard is that the return of Dejounte Murray (6/3/3 in 28 minutes) has not led to a decrease in production. Fears’ current fantasy value sits just outside the top-100, but that will change if he continues to play as he has over the last week.

Back in the Pelicans’ lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Jazz, Murphy played 34 minutes against the Timberwolves. While he did record four of his five assists in the second half, the Pelicans’ forward also attempted just one shot. Given Murphy’s importance to the team offensively, that can’t happen. Murphy’s return pushed Herb Jones (zero points, four rebounds), who had a frustrating night and fouled out in 14 minutes.

The good news for fantasy managers rostering Fears is that his production hasn’t suffered in the two games that Dejounte Murray has played since rejoining the team. Against the Jazz and Timberwolves, the second-year guard totaled 43 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and four steals while shooting 15-of-32 from the field. Murray (7/2/4/1/1 with one three-pointer) played 35 minutes while Fears played 36, so playing time won’t be an issue for the latter. The question hanging over the Pelicans is whether they’ll look to move Murray, as it would free up even more room for Fears to grow as a lead guard.

Murphy is back after missing Wednesday’s win over the Jazz. His return means Herb Jones will come off the bench in the Pelicans’ only change to their starting five.

Murphy was given a probable designation on Thursday afternoon, so this latest update isn’t a surprise. Expect Murphy to steal some playing time from Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey.

Murphy sat out Wednesday’s win over Utah, but he’s poised to return following a one-game absence. Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey could see their roles reduced with Murphy back in action.