Keion

Brooks Jr.

New Orleans has had to use quite a few backups as of late. Antonio Reeves and Keion Brooks are likely in for spot starts against Miami.

A double-digit scorer in three straight and six of his last eight appearances, Brooks established a new season-high point total on Thursday. The rookie shot over 50 percent from the field in scoring his 20 points, including a 4-of-8 night from three. Many of New Orleans’ key players are either done for the season due to injury or have had their workloads cut. As a result, players like Brooks have received opportunities to show what they can do.

These two starters missing time could have major implications. Elfrid Payton is a playmaking machine with 10 or more assists in three straight games and Keion Brooks has an even better chance at notching another start with Kelly Olynyk already ruled out.

Hawkins will extend his missed game streak to six while Olynyk has been ruled out for the second time in three contests. Antonio Reeves and Keion Brooks Jr. started in New Orleans’ last game against Milwaukee when Hawkins and Olynyk were ruled out. Both could get spot starts again.

Alvarado and Olynyk both missed Sunday’s game but are back in the lineup to take on Brooklyn. Their returns will push Elfrid Payton and Keion Brooks Jr. back to the bench, which will limit their role and fantasy impact.

Sunday’s game will be Hawkins’s fourth missed due to a back injury. Keion Brooks Jr. replaced him in the starting lineup for Friday’s loss to the Lakers, but the Pelicans have also called for Antonio Reeves to fill the void in the past. While Reeves can offer more to managers needing three-pointers, Brooks is better for those needing defensive production.

This will be the third game in a row Hawkins has missed with lower back spasms. Antonio Reeves will likely continue to start in his absence while Keion Brooks Jr. sees additional minutes off the bench. Both could be worth streaming in deeper formats.

Lower back spasms will keep Hawkins on the sidelines for a second-straight game. His absence likely means another start for Antonio Reeves and rotation minutes for Keion Brooks Jr. Due to the Pelicans’ many absences, Reeves and Brooks are worth streaming in deep leagues.

Brooks Jr. provided a nice boost off New Orleans’ bench to lead his team in scoring while delivering plenty of quality peripherals in the process. Brooks Jr. is one of a handful of Pelicans players who should see big minutes down the stretch of a lost season.

Initially questionable for Sunday’s game, Hawkins has been ruled out. His absence leaves the Pelicans thin on backcourt options, meaning more playing time for Antonio Reeves and Keion Brooks Jr. While Reeves would be worth a look as a desperation play in deep leagues, neither player qualifies as a must-stream.