Trey

Murphy

Murphy cooled off finally after dropping at least 31 points in four of his last five games entering play Friday. The 25-year-old small forward wasn’t very efficient with 22 points on 21 field goal attempts. His five three-pointers came on 14 three-point attempts. Murphy has still provided first-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Pelicans will close out the week Sunday against the Rockets on the road.

Murphy has scored at least 31 points in four of his last five appearances, continuing to lead the way offensively for the Pelicans. A top-20 player in eight-cat formats for the season, he’s been a top-5 player over the past two weeks. With the Pelicans not having control of their first-round pick, there’s no reason for them to consider tanking. That’s great news for managers who have Murphy rostered, as it should ensure that he’ll be available during the fantasy playoff weeks.

Murphy’s scorching hot stretch continued in this game. This was his fifth straight game with at least 20 points and three three-pointers while shooting at least 50 percent from the floor. He has been one of the bright spots in what has been a horrendous season for New Orleans, and he’ll continue to be a fantasy stud as a focal point of the offense for the Pels.

Murphy has scored at least 21 points in four straight games, but his run of games with at least 35 ended at two on Sunday. The Pelicans’ forward has been consistently excellent in terms of fantasy value, and that shouldn’t change anytime soon as long as he’s healthy. The Pelicans play four games in Week 13, starting with the Nuggets on Tuesday.

On the heels of a sublime 42-point performance against the Lakers earlier this week, Murphy stayed sizzling-hot with his sixth 30-point effort to help the Pelicans snap a nine-game losing streak dating back to December 23. Murphy and teammate Zion Williamson combined for 34 first-half points and 66 on the night overall as the Wizards seemed to have zero answers defensively. The 25-year-old scoring forward erupted for 15 first-half points on 5-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-9 from three-point range, and finished the night 7-of-16 from long range. He’s delivered first-round fantasy value this season, averaging 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.2 blocks through 36 games. The Pelicans return to action on Sunday with a road matchup against the Magic.

Murphy is back in the lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, pushing Karlo Matković to the bench. The other change is McGowens, who will start ahead of Jordan Poole. His offensive ceiling is limited, but McGowens is a better defender than Poole.

Murphy is back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks. His return means that Karlo Matković will return to the bench, and Bryce McGowens’ playing time will decrease as well.

One night removed from scoring a career-high 42 points, Murphy did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks. Karlo Matković moved into the starting lineup, but Bryce McGowens replaced him to begin the second half. Both players will lose out on minutes if Murphy returns on Friday.

After scoring a career-high 42 points against the Lakers on Tuesday, Murphy will be sidelined for the second night of this back-to-back. With Herb Jones (ankle) also sidelined, Bryce McGowens and Micah Peavy should see a big bump in minutes for the shorthanded Pelicans.

The Pelicans are playing the second leg of a back-to-back set after a narrow loss to the Lakers on Tuesday. With Herb Jones (ankle) questionable and Saddiq Bey (hip) sidelined, Bryce McGowens and Micah Peavy should see increased run against Atlanta.