FanDuel. Averaging 18.7 points per game this season (in 27.6 minutes), Dejounte Murray has returned from his Achilles injury to bring some life to the listless Pelicans. With his rotation now at a consistent 30 minutes, I like this spot for him tonight. The Knicks have struggled all season against three-level scoring, pick and roll ball-handlers, ranking 25th against the playtype. After a tough game against a stingier pick and roll defense of the Cavaliers, I expect Murray to bounce back tonight.
When Dejounte Murray first returned from injury, he was on a minute restriction. However, he has played at least 30 minutes in five of his last six games. Over those six games, he averaged 20.8 points, 14.2 shot attempts and 4.0 free throw attempts. He shoots 34.0% from behind the arc for the season, which could be a problem for the Knicks because they rank 18th in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage allowed over their last 10 games. I think the Pelicans can keep the game close enough for Murray to reach 30 minutes, so I’ll take this over.
Karl Anthony Towns is enjoying his best stretch of the season during the month of March and despite logging only 30 mins per game has averaged 22/13/3, while the Knicks are enjoying a 5 game winning streak. While KAT is playing well, I would suggest he is playing above expectations and he is a regression candidate based on his playing time and usage. He is also playing a Pelicans team that to begin the season were dreadful defensively, in addition to playing at a fast pace, which hasn’t been the case recently and are averaging fewer than 100 possessions over their last three games. They’ve also been tough on opposing Centers, however that seems more of a byproduct of their sluggish pace.
Alvarado ended with three points (1-9 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 0-1 FT), four rebounds, nine assists and three steals in 33 minutes during Puerto Rico's 80-75 loss to Uruguay in Tuesday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.
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.
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.
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.
Bufkin agreed to a one-year deal with the Pelicans on Saturday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.
