Matkovic recorded 17 points (8-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 0-1 FT), one assist and two turnovers in 17 minutes during Croatia's 115-80 win over Latvia in Thursday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Missi recorded 24 points (9-13 FG, 6-8 FT), nine rebounds, two steals and four blocks in 27 minutes during Cameroon's 78-62 win over Nigeria in Thursday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Schroder recorded 23 points (7-11 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 7-7 FT), one rebound, six assists and two steals in 26 minutes during Germany's 99-83 win over the Netherlands in Thursday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.
Bey tentatively projects as the Pelicans' starting small forward, but the addition of Bennedict Mathurin gives him a formidable threat for a starting job.
The Pelicans gave Poole another competitor for playing time with the signing of Bennedict Mathurin on Wednesday.
Hawkins is likely to begin the season outside of the rotation after the Pelicans signed Bennedict Mathurin on Wednesday.
Fears is set to share the second unit with Bennedict Mathurin in 2026-27.
The Hornets are trading Mann to the Cavaliers on Friday in exchange for Dennis Schroder and cash considerations, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
Houstan agreed to a one-year contract with New Orleans on Monday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.
Koloko agreed a one-year contract with the Pelicans on Tuesday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.
Six year veteran Saddiq Bey is enjoying his best season yet and is averaging a career best 16.5 PPG culminating in Bey scoring 20+ in 5/6 games. With that being said, Bey appears to be a regression candidate and he has been shooting a blistering 50% from three on 42 attempts over that six game sample. Bey is a career 35% shooter and he is at best the third scoring option on the Pelicans, meaning his volume could dwindle. I also like the fact they’re facing a Hornets team that plays slow coupled with being 6.5 point underdogs which provides some blowout potential.
FanDuel. Going to hop on this Ryan Kalkbrenner line, even with a little juice. Since coming back from injury (and ceding his starting spot to Moussa Diabete), Kalkbrenner has still cleared this points line in nine of 12 games. It’s an A+ matchup against the Pelicans who allow the second most at rim points, the fourth most assists at the rim, and the fifth most points to centers. As an alternative, I’d also bet this at over 10.5 points plus rebounds.
The Pels have looked a bit more competitive lately with Zion Williamson staying off the injury list but the host Hornets have taken it a bit further. How so? Charlotte is actually winning games, now six in a row, as Charles Lee finally has had most hands on deck. The recent results are noteworthy, including a win over the Spurs on Saturday, when on-fire Brandon Miller (26 points) led the Hornets in scoring for the eighth time in nine games, and Charlotte dominated the glass by a 51-36 count. The Hornets were minus LaMelo Ball and were well before they hit stride when losing by 4 at Smoothie King back on November 4. Note tip-off moved to 3 PM EST! Play Hornets.
