Trey

Murphy III

Ingram, who struggled in the Pelicans’ first-round loss to Oklahoma City, is due to make a little over $36 million in the final season of his deal. He can sign an extension worth up to $208 million over four years. However, with Pelicans lead executive David Griffin saying during his post-season availability that changes will be made, Saturday’s report could be a sign that New Orleans is open to parting with Ingram if a proper deal can be made. Trey Murphy is also extension eligible, but his price tag is considerably lower than Ingram’s, whose 64 games played in 2023-24 were the most he’s been available for since being traded to New Orleans in 2019. Murphy would have the most to gain regarding fantasy value if Ingram is dealt, depending on the return.

If Williamson plays during this postseason, it will require the Pelicans to make it out of the first round. They’re currently down 0-2 to the top-seeded Thunder and lost by 32 points on Wednesday. Anything can happen in the playoffs, but it seems like Zion’s next game will be their season opener in October.

Once again starting for the injured Zion Williamson (hamstring), Murphy was excellent on both ends of the floor in Game 1. The third-year wing made some timely baskets as the Pelicans mounted a rally that fell two points short while racking up four “stocks.” Offseason knee surgery derailed Murphy’s progress early in the season, but he has played solid basketball recently, outside of the Pelicans’ regular-season finale against the Lakers. With Oklahoma City devoting much of their defensive attention to CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, Murphy and Herb Jones won’t lack opportunities to score. Jones struggled in Game 1, shooting 2-of-10 from the field and finishing with eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 33 minutes.

Due to Zion Williamson (hamstring) sitting, Murphy was back in the starting lineup for Friday’s “winner-take-all” matchup with the Kings. He was productive, with the turnover count (four) being the most significant issue. During the regular season, Murphy averaged 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 3.3 3-pointers per game in 23 starts. At a minimum, the Pelicans will need similar production in their first-round series against the Thunder, which will begin on Sunday.

Williamson feasted in Tuesday’s loss to the Lakers, going off for a game-high 40 points to go with 11 rebounds. He got to the basket with ease all night and led New Orleans’ furious late-game rally. He limped off the court following a made bucket with three minutes left to play, and the Lakers came away with the victory. New Orleans is now faced with a do-or-die matchup against Sacramento on Friday. The winner will advance to the playoffs as the No. 8 seed to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the loser will be eliminated from playoff contention. Williamson’s absence should open up extra minutes for Trey Murphy III and Naji Marshall.

Williamson was outstanding on Tuesday, but unfortunately, he was not on the court in crunch time. Following a made basket with 3:19 remaining that tied the game at 95, the Pelicans star walked back to the locker room. While the landing on the shot did not appear awkward, Williamson tweaked something, and that would be the end of his night. According to Pelicans coach Willie Green, he’s dealing with soreness in his left leg and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday. The Pelicans can’t afford to lose Williamson ahead of Friday’s game against the Warriors or Kings. If he cannot play, Trey Murphy (12/4/2/1/1 with two 3-pointers in 31 minutes) would move into the starting lineup.

Both forwards will be back in the lineup for the regular season finale, with Ingram returning from a 12-game absence. Trey Murphy should return to playing a role off the bench, though he should still see plenty of minutes. With the team entirely healthy, Marshall won’t play enough to impact fantasy basketball.

McCollum had an impressive two-game run in northern California, shooting 17-of-25 from three in wins over the Kings and Warriors. He has scored 28 points or more in six straight games, making at least four 3-pointers in each. Trey Murphy also had a good run against the Kings and Warriors, hitting six 3-pointers in both games. He finished Friday’s win with 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 42 minutes. With Brandon Ingram (knee) likely returning on Sunday, Murphy could come off the bench against the Lakers. However, even if he does, he will still have value in active fantasy leagues.

After shooting 4-of-13 from the field and scoring 13 points in Sunday’s win over the Suns, Murphy has taken things up a notch production-wise. He scored 31 points in Portland on Tuesday and followed up that performance with 27 on Thursday. The six 3-pointers are the most Murphy has made in a game since March 10, when he hit six in a win over the Hawks. Brandon Ingram (knee) will reportedly return on Sunday for the final game of the regular season, but that gives Murphy one more opportunity to start as the Pelicans visit the Warriors on Friday.

Given Haynes’ report, Ingram will remain sidelined for Friday’s game against the Warriors. A return on Sunday would allow him to work off some of the rust while playing at game speed. Trey Murphy has filled the void left by Ingram in the starting lineup and will return to the bench once the Pelicans get BI back.