Bryce

McGowens

McGowens has a fractured small toe on his right foot, which may keep him out of multiple games. There may be additional minutes for Micah Peavy, but not enough to affect fantasy basketball.

Murphy was upgraded from questionable to probable on Thursday afternoon, a sign that he was on track to play. He’ll occupy his usual place in the starting lineup, with Bryce McGowens continuing to come off the bench.

Murphy, who recently returned to action after missing five games with a right shoulder contusion, is dealing with neck spasms. If he’s unable to play against the Kings, the Pelicans could look to Bryce McGowens to fill the void in the starting lineup.

Murray is back after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Jazz for injury management reasons. His return likely pushes Bryce McGowens to the bench, eliminating the wing’s streaming value.

With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) sitting out the first game of New Orleans’ weekend back-to-back, McGowens was inserted into the starting lineup on Saturday. And he was productive, shooting 4-of-10 from beyond the arc. The 18 points were the most in a game for McGowens since January 7, when he dropped 20 in a loss to the Hawks. Even if Murray is available for Sunday’s game against the Clippers, McGowens may remain a starter, as Zion Williamson left Saturday’s victory during the first half with a sprained ankle.

Williamson sprained his right ankle early in the second quarter of Saturday’s game, and the Pelicans have ruled him out for the rest of the night. In 11 minutes, he recorded four points, one rebound and two assists. New Orleans visits the Clippers on Sunday, so they may have to account for the absence of a starter. If Dejounte Murray plays on Sunday and Zion doesn’t, Bryce McGowens could get another start. Jeremiah Fears, who played well during the first half, replaced Williamson in the lineup to begin the third quarter.

The Pelicans won’t have Dejounte Murray for Saturday’s game, as he is sitting for injury management reasons. McGowens moves into the starting lineup, which gives him some value as a deep-league streamer, but he is not a must-stream player.

Murphy hasn’t played since the final game before the All-Star break, but a return appears to be imminent. Until Murphy is back, Jeremiah Fears and Bryce McGowens should see additional run, but the return of Dejounte Murray (Achilles) adds uncertainty to New Orleans’ rotation.

Having last appeared in a game on October 29, Jordan will make his third appearance and second start of the season on Saturday. He’ll match up with Andre Drummond, with the Pelicans likely hoping that their veteran pivot can keep his 76ers counterpart off the glass. Bryce McGowens heads to the bench.

On the same day that he agreed to a three-year deal, McGowens has been moved into the Pelicans’ starting lineup. He’ll fill the void left by Trey Murphy, who is out with a right shoulder contusion suffered before the All-Star break.