Yves

Missi

After being a starter for most of his rookie season, Missi has primarily been a fantasy afterthought in 2025-26. However, Wednesday’s performance was one of his best, with the Pelicans’ center recording his second double-double of the season. Nine of Missi’s 12 rebounds came on the offensive end, and his play affected how the playing time was distributed. While Missi played 34 minutes, starter Derik Queen (four points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block) played 16. Wednesday isn’t a sign to give up on Queen, but rather a reminder to keep an eye on Missi, especially if the rookie were to go down with an injury.

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.

The Pelicans won’t have Trey Murphy, Derik Queen, Herb Jones or Saddiq Bey for Friday’s game, opening up multiple spots in the starting lineup. Poole, McGowens and Missi will step up to fill the voids, with Poole being the most reliable fantasy option.

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.

After a two-game absence, Missi is available to play on Saturday. His return likely means that Karlo Matković will head to the bench, but this does not affect fantasy basketball. As a starter, Missi is worth streaming in deep leagues while the Pelicans remain without Zion Williamson.

Missi has missed the Pelicans’ last two games, which has allowed Karlo Matkovic to fill out the reserve center minutes. If Missi remains out, Matkovic will maintain that role, but that hasn’t yielded him enough time to be worth rostering in standard leagues.

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.