Kevon

Looney

Queen did not play in Friday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, resulting in Yves Missi moving into the starting lineup. Also, Kevon Looney and Karlo Matković each surpassed 20 minutes off the bench. All three will see their minutes decrease with Queen in the fold, and there’s no need to stream any of them in most leagues.

Queen missed Friday’s game against Portland, which was the first absence of the season for him. Yves Missi started in his place, while Kevon Looney and Karlo Matković also logged over 20 minutes off the bench. All three will see a reduction in minutes if Queen returns.

While Yves Missi was the choice to replace the injured Derik Queen in the Pelicans’ starting lineup on Friday, all three bigs who logged rotation minutes provided value. Matković was the most productive scorer, and the four defensive contributions didn’t hurt, either. Meanwhile, Missi (5/3/2/1/3 in 21 minutes) also had four defensive contributions while Kevon Looney (4/12/2/1/1 in 24 minutes) hit double figures in rebounds for the second straight game. While none are significant streaming options, Missi has been the best this season when given more minutes.

Queen will miss a game for the first time this season. That opens up the starting center spot in New Orleans, which will likely result in Yves Missi and Kevon Looney occupying the minutes. Missi should be the better streaming option, though neither is enticing.

Queen, who moved into the Pelicans’ starting lineup in mid-November and has not left, has been diagnosed with a left quad contusion. If he’s able to play on Friday, there will be more minutes available to Yves Missi and Kevon Looney.

Missi started in place of Zion Williamson on Sunday against the Lakers, but missed Tuesday’s game against the Timberwolves with a sore right foot and ankle. Missi is set to miss another game with his various injuries against the Timberwolves on Thursday. Kevon Looney could see additional minutes, but isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Missi is dealing with a sore right foot and ankle and will join Zion Williamson (adductor) on the sideline for Tuesday’s game. While additional rotation minutes may be available to veteran Kevon Looney, he is not a player to roster in fantasy leagues.

Williamson was off the injury report on Monday evening for his hamstring, but the adductor issue is a new one, suggesting he may sit this one out. Missi is also a late addition to the injury report, and if both he and Zion are forced to sit this one out, Derik Queen and Saddiq Bey should see even higher usage. Micah Peavey and Kevon Looney could soak up some additional minutes off the bench.

Looney is dealing with a right heel contusion, but is available for Monday’s game against the Bulls. The 29-year-old power forward will have his usual bench role backing up Derik Queen.

Looney, who has a right heel contusion, played 14 minutes off the bench in Saturday’s loss to the Hawks. If cleared to play on Monday, he’ll take on a similar role, which does not affect fantasy basketball. If Looney sits, DeAndre Jordan may pick up a few minutes backing up starter Derik Queen.