Yves

Missi

Murray is back after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Kings. His return pushes Yves Missi to the bench, with the Pelicans beginning Friday’s game without a true center.

While Yves Missi (7/2/1/2/4 in 16 minutes) received the starting nod on Thursday, Queen and Karlo Matković (9/9/2 with three blocks and one three-pointer) wound up playing more. In Queen’s case, a near double-double was accompanied by five assists in a solid offensive performance for the rookie. However, lapses in attention remain an issue on the defensive end of the floor, which will limit Queen’s playing time until he addresses them.

Murphy and Williamson are good to go for Thursday’s game, but the Pelicans won’t have Dejounte Murray for the first of two games they’ll play in as many nights. He’s been replaced in the lineup by Yves Missi, which raises the second-year center’s short-term fantasy value.

Missi hasn’t played in two and a half weeks due to a left calf strain, but is set to make his return in Saturday’s game against the Jazz. The 21-year-old center is likely to be on a minutes restriction in his first game back.

Missi has not appeared in a game since February 9, with the second-year center being sidelined by a strained left calf. If he can play on Saturday, that could result in fewer minutes for DeAndre Jordan, but Missi is likely to be under a minutes restriction.

Missi has been out since February 9 due to a strained left calf. His continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, but it has freed up a few minutes for DeAndre Jordan and Karlo Matković.

Missi is set to miss his third game in a row with a calf injury. Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney figure to take on the center duties for New Orleans in Missi’s absence, though neither are worth streaming in most fantasy leagues.

Missi was held out of the Pelicans’ final game before the All-Star break, and he isn’t healthy enough to play on Friday. The second-year center’s continued absence frees up minutes for Karlo Matković and Kevon Looney, but neither is a must-stream option in fantasy leagues.

Missi was a very late addition to the injury report, so it isn’t surprising that he won’t suit up against Miami. Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney should fill out the backup center minutes behind Derik Queen.

Missi has been added to the injury report less than half an hour before the starting tip. It would be surprising if they added him this close to the start of the game just for him to play, so it will likely be Karlo Matkovic and Kevon Looney filling out the reserve center minutes.