Herbert

Jones

Jones did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Cavaliers after spraining his right ankle the night prior. As a result, Bryce McGowens moved into the starting lineup and played 30 minutes. If Jordan Poole, who’s questionable for Friday, remains out, McGowens would be worth considering in deep leagues, but that’s it.

Jones was forced to exit Monday’s game after suffering a sprained right ankle. He played 22 minutes, finishing with nine points, two rebounds, four assists, one steal and one three-pointer. While Micah Peavy picked up a few minutes, the rookie is not worth adding if Jones can’t play in Tuesday’s game against the Cavaliers.

Jones bowed out of Saturday’s win over Indiana in the first half and did not return after getting hit in the face. The injury won’t cost him any time, and he should be expected to handle his typical workload.

Jones was forced to exit Saturday’s win over the Pacers before halftime after taking a shot to the face. Jordan Poole was inserted into the lineup to begin the third quarter, which could mean that he’ll start if Jones can’t play on Monday. The concern with Jones starting is how that could affect Jeremiah Fears, who has been running the point.

Jones took a shot to the head during the first half of Saturday’s game. While he did return later in the second quarter, he was not on the floor to begin the third. And it has since been announced that Jones is done for the night. Jordan Poole replaced him in the lineup to begin the third quarter, and he could move into the starting five if Jones misses time.

While Jones has been among the best defenders in the NBA, it’s easy to ignore a player when he’s languishing on a bad team. He had a highly productive night on Thursday, recording a career-high eight steals. However, while Jones’ defensive abilities have shown up in the steals category, limited offensive production keeps his fantasy ceiling low. Jones shot 50 percent from the field against the Rockets, with the 18 points being a season-high. Hopefully, that’s a sign of what’s to come from him offensively.

With Jordan Poole returning from a hip injury and Herb Jones making his second start since returning from a calf injury, there did not appear to be much room for McGowens in the Pelicans’ rotation on Thursday. Well, interim head coach James Borrego kept him in the rotation during the first half, and McGowens started for the ejected Jones to begin the third quarter. He had one of his best games as a pro, matching his career-high in scoring while not missing any of his five three-point attempts. While this performance isn’t enough to put McGowens on the radar of many fantasy managers, it’s clear that Borrego will give him opportunities if he continues to earn them.

Jones argued with an official regarding a foul called with 1.3 seconds remaining in the first half, picking up two technicals from two separate officials. His early departure makes New Orleans’ task of defending Deni Avdija more challenging, as that was his assignment. Jones finished with four points (2-of-7 FGs), four rebounds and one blocked shot in 14 minutes of play.

Monday’s game was the first for Jones since November 21, as a strained calf had sidelined him. While he was limited to 26 minutes in his first game back, the Pelicans wing was productive. Jones is rostered in 22 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and he’s worth adding in some 12-team leagues with Zion Williamson (adductor) out. Bryce McGowens, who was starting for Jones, played 24 minutes off the bench on Monday, finishing with eight points, one rebound, two assists and one three-pointer.

Jones is available to make his first appearance since November 21. His return means that Bryce McGowens will head to the bench, with Saddiq Bey continuing to start due to Zion Williamson’s absence. McGowens will not be worth rostering, even if Jones’ playing time is restricted.