Trey

Murphy

It’s unclear which teams might be interested in trading for Murphy, who turned 26 earlier this month. The Celtics could make sense as a suitor given that the team is going to listen to offers for Jaylen Brown. However, with reports of the Pelicans targeting someone in the lottery of Tuesday’s NBA Draft, New Orleans could move Murphy or Herb Jones in a trade for a draft pick tonight. The Hawks, who have the eighth pick, and Warriors, who have the 11th pick, could be potential suitors for a Murphy trade.

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.

Friday’s game will be the third that Murphy has missed with an ankle injury. Jordan Poole moved into the starting lineup for Tuesday’s win over the Jazz and went off for 34 points. Look for him to take on a significant role within the Pelicans’ rotation once again.

Murphy will miss a second straight game, which should lead to another start for Yves Missi. He played 40 minutes on Sunday and contributed 18 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in the loss to Orlando. Missi should be a priority streaming option.

Murphy is out after being listed as questionable on the Pelicans’ initial injury report. Yves Missi is likely to move into the starting lineup, which pushes Zion Williamson to his natural power forward position.

Murphy played both games of the Pelicans’ back-to-back on Thursday and Friday, logging 36 and 32 minutes in the outings. It should be noted that he was questionable ahead of the second game, a Friday loss to the Kings. If Murphy can’t play but Dejounte Murray (hand) returns, Yves Missi could remain in the starting lineup.

Murphy is good to go after playing 36 minutes in Thursday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. He’ll take his usual place in the Pelicans’ starting lineup.

Murphy didn’t play with a minutes restriction on Thursday against the Trail Blazers, and he’s expected to play Friday for the second leg of New Orleans’ back-to-back set. Fantasy managers can deploy him in lineups as usual.

Interestingly, Murphy was not under a minutes restriction on Thursday after missing three games with a sprained ankle. He played 36 minutes in Portland, which may be a clear sign that he won’t play in Friday’s game against the Kings. If Murphy sits, Yves Missi (six points, seven rebounds and one blocked shot) is likely to return to the starting five.

Murphy is available after a three-game absence. His return will push Yves Missi to the bench, but the second-year center should play plenty due to the need to account for Portland’s Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III.