Jeremiah

Fears

Jones, who recently missed two-plus weeks with a sprained ankle, started and played 30 minutes in Friday’s win over the Grizzlies. His availability for Saturday’s game means that Jeremiah Fears will remain with the bench unit, which has lowered the rookie’s fantasy ceiling.

Absent from the Pelicans’ initial injury report for Sunday, Murphy has been added due to a sore right (shooting) hand. He’s been the team’s most productive player, so not having Murphy would significantly affect the Pelicans on both ends of the floor. If he sits, the recently benched Jeremiah Fears could move back into the starting lineup, but fantasy managers in most leagues can afford to leave the rookie alone.

Jones is back in the lineup following an eight-game absence, and he’ll immediately start. Jeremiah Fears, who has started every game since the third game of the season, will head to the bench. Fears should still play a significant role, but he doesn’t hold the same value as a reserve.

While fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears (two points, three rebounds, two assists and one block) has hit a rough patch recently, shooting 40.2 percent from the field over the past two weeks, Queen’s production has been consistent. During these two weeks, the rookie center has been close to a top-50 player in eight-cat formats. Fears was limited to ten minutes, with Queen sharing the frontcourt with Yves Missi (10/7/4/1/2) to begin the second half. That’s something fantasy managers should watch during the Pelicans’ three-game Week 14.

Alvarado will miss a second straight game, which has allowed Jeremiah Fears to take on extra minutes as the starting point guard. Jordan Poole is filling out the backup minutes, but he was held scoreless in 12 minutes in their last game.

Fears did most of his damage during garbage time, but it counts the same for fantasy purposes. The 19-year-old lottery pick accumulated 13 second-half points on 5-of-9 shooting with three of those makes coming from downtown. He’s been a non-factor for fantasy purposes during his rookie campaign but should see an increase in offensive opportunities as the year progresses, especially if New Orleans falls out of playoff contention.

After totaling nine points on 4-of-13 shooting in his two previous appearances, Fears had a far better night offensively on Friday. Inconsistent scoring has been an issue for the rookie over the past two-plus weeks, with Fears averaging 10.1 points per game on 38.7 percent shooting. His fantasy value is ranked well outside the top-200 during this period, with Fears’ role as New Orleans’ starting point guard being why he’s still rostered in 16 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Fears didn’t shoot the ball as well as he’s capable of in Saturday’s defeat, but he did match his season-high with the eight assists. Jose Alvarado’s ejection during the third quarter factored into the rookie playing 34 minutes, and there could be a suspension on the way for the Pelicans’ backup. If so, Week 11 would be a good time to roll the dice on Fears, especially with the Pelicans scheduled to play four games.

Poole is dealing with left ankle soreness, and the Pelicans may elect to play it safe with him on the second leg of a back-to-back set. Bryce McGowens, Jose Alvarado and Jeremiah Fears are all candidates for additional playing time if Poole is sidelined.

Fears recorded his seventh 20-point game of the season on Sunday, and his efficiency has improved recently. Over the past two weeks, the rookie has averaged 16.5 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field. Turnovers have been an issue for Fears, who committed three against the Bulls, which is why he’s been more valuable in eight-cat formats and turnover-punt roster builds. The Pelicans are scheduled to play two games in Week 9, beginning with the Rockets on Thursday.