Trey

Murphy

Since returning from an elbow injury that sidelined him for two games, Murphy has scored at least 20 points in six straight appearances. With Zion Williamson back in the rotation, the Pelicans’ scoring was more balanced on Sunday, with six players scoring in double figures. Murphy has led the way throughout the season, and there’s no reason to believe that won’t remain the case moving forward. New Orleans doesn’t play its next game until Thursday as part of a two-game Week 9.

The third quarter has been an issue for the Pelicans throughout this season, but that was not the case on Thursday. New Orleans outscored Portland by a 35-29 margin, and Murphy shot 4-of-5 from the field in the period. Interestingly, all five of his shots were attempted in the paint. It seemed as if the Pelicans as a team made a concerted effort to attack the paint in the period, and with significant effect. Murphy remains the Pelicans’ best fantasy option, and only an injury would change that. New Orleans ends Week 8 on Sunday against the Bulls.

Murphy has scored at least 30 points in four games this season, more than halfway to his total in 2024-25 (seven). The Pelicans forward has been the team’s most valuable fantasy option this season, and by a wide margin. Murphy is providing top-25 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats; no other Pelicans currently ranks within the top-100 of either, according to Basketball Monster. The Pelicans play two more games in Week 8, starting with the Trail Blazers on Thursday.

Murphy did most of his damage in the second half of a one-sided affair, notching 14 of his team-high 25 points in the late stages of the contest, but it counts the same for fantasy managers. The 25-year-old has performed at a second-round level for fantasy purposes this season, averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.2 blocks through 22 games. The Pelicans are back in action on Monday when they face the Spurs to open a three-game week that also includes matchups against the Trail Blazers and Bulls.

While Murphy led the Pelicans in scoring on Thursday, he missed all five of his three-point attempts. That ends a streak of 17 consecutive games with at least one three-pointer for the wing, who is averaging 2.9 three-pointers per game on the season. Murphy’s overall stat line was still solid, but it could have been a lot better, especially when considering the 33/15/4 line he dropped on Minnesota in Tuesday’s overtime defeat.

After missing two games with a right elbow injury, Murphy made his presence felt in a big way in his return. He set a new career high for rebounds while scoring at least 30 points for the third time this season. Murphy has been one of the bright spots in a disastrous season for New Orleans, and he’ll continue to be an elite player in fantasy basketball as long as he’s healthy and available.

Murphy will return following a two-game absence, which means Bryce McGowens (who has played well with increased opportunities) will lose most of his streaming appeal. Hawkins is also back after two games on the shelf, but his return is less meaningful for fantasy managers given his playing time and lackluster production.

Murphy has missed the Pelicans’ last two games with a sore right (shooting) elbow, opening up a place in the starting lineup for Bryce McGowens. Last time out, McGowens scored a career-high 23 points in a loss to the Lakers on Sunday. He’s only worth the streaming risk if Murphy cannot play on Tuesday.

With Trey Murphy, Herb Jones and Jordan Hawkins all ruled out due to injury, McGowens had more opportunities to contribute offensively in his second consecutive start. The wing, who’s on a two-way contract, recorded a career-high point total while shooting 50 percent from the field. McGowens’ fantasy value in Week 7 hinges upon Murphy’s availability. If Trey can play against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, there won’t be much to gain from adding McGowens to your roster.

Murphy and Hawkins will join Zion Williamson (hamstring) and a number of other players on the sideline for the second leg of New Orleans’ back-to-back set. Bryce McGowens could draw a second straight start, though he finished with an unimpressive 5/4/1/2 line across 26 minutes on Saturday.