Yves Missi (knee) remains out Saturday vs. Hawks

Missi banged knees with Zion Williamson, left Friday’s game against the Jazz and didn’t return. Without Missi on Saturday, expect Derik Queen and Karlo Matkovic to pick up minutes against the Nuggets.

Yves fell down after Zion Williamson fell into his knee. He was down for a couple minutes and then was carried to the locker room. If he misses time, Derik Queen and Karlo Matkovic will pick up the minutes.

The one consistent starter for the Pelicans throughout the pre-season was Yves Missi. Jamahl Mosley is a defensive minded coach, and Missi is the best rim protector on the team. Missi’s role as a starter seems secure at this point despite having Derik Queen off the bench. He should be a consistent rebound and block streamer during the regular season.

As of Thursday evening, Queen had a Yahoo! ADP of 85. That’s pretty high, especially for a player who isn’t guaranteed a starting role once the regular season begins. Yves Missi (11 points, nine rebounds), a superior defender, started at center in New Orleans’ two preseason games. First-year head coach Jamahl Mosley could very well go with Queen once the games count, but he’ll have to do more as a defender to make that happen. Given the uncertainty, using a top-100 pick on Queen is risky.

The first reported connection between Missi and the Knicks occurred around the February trade deadline, but nothing came of it. New York acquired Jose Alvarado in a separate deal, and the backup point guard has since re-signed with the Knicks after helping the team win its first title in 53 years. Thursday’s report regarding the Knicks’ interest in Missi comes one day after the team lost Mitchell Robinson (Boston) and Ariel Hukporti (Philadelphia) in free agency. New York has a serious need for depth behind starter Karl-Anthony Towns, and it does not appear likely that Missi will be the player to address it, as New Orleans considers him a key member of their team moving forward.

The continued absences of Williamson and Missi are most impactful, as Derik Queen and Kevon Looney have served as the starting power forward and center. That should remain the case on Sunday, with Queen more likely to play starters’ minutes. As for Matković, his continued absence does not significantly affect the Pelicans’ rotation.

Missi remains out with a sprained right hand, freeing up additional minutes for Derik Queen. Queen started Tuesday’s win over the Jazz and nearly recorded a triple-double. The rookie should play plenty in New Orleans’ final two games of the season, regardless of Missi’s availability.

A sprained right hand will keep Missi out of Tuesday’s game. Rookie Derik Queen should play plenty in Tuesday’s matchup, which may feature a lot of points due to both teams being shorthanded.

Missi is dealing with a right hand sprain, and it could cost him Tuesday’s game. With Karlo Matković (back) already out, more work could be available for Derik Queen in the frontcourt.

Murphy will miss a second straight game, which should lead to another start for Yves Missi. He played 40 minutes on Sunday and contributed 18 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in the loss to Orlando. Missi should be a priority streaming option.