Derik

Queen

Flagg, Knueppel, and Edgecombe all received 100 first-place votes, with Harper’s 93 votes not far behind. Cedric Coward’s 29 first-place votes were the least of the first-teamers. Meanwhile, Derik Queen, Maxime Raynaud, Jeremiah Fears, Ace Bailey, and Colin Murray-Boyles were named to the All-Rookie Second team.

Queen finished his first NBA season with the first 30/20 game of his pro career. With the Pelicans only playing seven players on Sunday, the rookie center logged 41 minutes in the season finale. Queen recorded a complete stat line against the Timberwolves, making the low field-goal percentage more palatable. Queen certainly had his moments this season, but improvement on the defensive end of the floor is what will unlock his full potential in the years to come.

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.

Bey and Jones will join the rest of New Orleans’ regular starters and Karlo Matković (back) on the bench, as the Pels will have to turn to Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Jordan Hawkins and Micah Peavy to shoulder the load.

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.

Recording his 12th double-double of the season, Queen finished Tuesday’s victory three assists shy of his third triple-double. And much to the delight of the Pelicans, the rookie center enjoyed one of his most impactful games as a defender. More active on that end of the floor, Queen recorded three steals and two blocked shots. Having veteran Kevon Looney (7/12/6/2/1 with one three-pointer) on the floor likely helped, but that should not be used to take away from Queen’s performance.

Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson are active for Tuesday’s game, but none are expected to play according to interim head coach James Borrego. Fears is the lone holdover from the lineup that started Sunday’s loss to the Magic, with Poole, Peavy, Queen and Looney all starting.

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.

Matković has missed the Pelicans’ last three games but has a chance to take the floor Tuesday, as reflected in his status. The second-year forward has mostly filled a reserve role for New Orleans, posting averages of 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds. Derik Queen’s opportunities should increase if Matković remains sidelined.