Jeremiah

Fears

Fears finished his rookie season on a tear, scoring at least 36 points in each of his final three games. The ability to get to the foul line boosted his point total on Sunday, but the overall stat line was one that many fantasy managers will take. With Dejounte Murray back in the fold, Fears’ value in redraft leagues won’t match his dynasty league value next season.

Murphy and Murray remain sidelined for the Pelicans’ final game of the season. Jeremiah Fears has benefited most in terms of playing time and scoring opportunities, with Jordan Hawkins’ playing time also increasing off the bench.

Fears now has 76 points in his last two games. The 19-year-old is certainly showing what he’s made of at the end of his rookie season. Fears wasn’t much of a factor in redraft leagues this season, but is still a coveted dynasty asset. He could be in line for another big game against the Timberwolves in the season finale on Sunday.

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.

Friday’s game will be the fourth that Murray has missed due to a hand injury. Jeremiah Fears, who set a franchise rookie record with 40 points on Tuesday, will once again figure prominently in the Pelicans’ rotation.

Despite being healthy, Jones was held out of Tuesday’s win over the Jazz. Jeremiah Fears moved into the lineup and had the best game of his rookie season, as he dropped 40 points. Fears may be the safer option for fantasy managers in active leagues, as the Pelicans have little incentive to play their proven veterans.

Given the many absences from the Pelicans’ rotation, Tuesday’s game was set up to be a showcase for Fears. The rookie guard took full advantage, as he set the Pelicans franchise rookie record for points in a game. And this wasn’t an inefficient 40, either. Fears shot over 50 percent from the field and committed just two turnovers. He was 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, but that’s the only negative to take away from the rookie’s performance.

Murray will miss a third straight game, and it’s unclear if we’ll see him again before the season ends. Until Murray returns, Jeremiah Fears should see an elevated workload.

Fears did not have a good night shooting the basketball, finishing 2-of-7 from both inside and outside of the three-point arc. But the rookie did record a complete stat line, and the turnover count of three could have been much worse. Dejounte Murray (hand) being out the last two games has freed up additional opportunities for Fears, which the Pelicans hope will pay dividends down the line. New Orleans plays three games in Week 24, and Fears should continue to log heavy minutes.

The Pelicans won’t have Dejounte Murray or Trey Murphy for Sunday’s game. As a result, Fears and Missi move into the starting lineup.