New Orleans enters 2025-26 with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones healthy and ready to anchor a potent Pelicans core. The addition of Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey adds burst and shooting, while Kevon Looney brings in-the-paint defense and rebounding. Draft picks Yves Missi and Derik Queen offer upside, and Jose Alvarado provides energy off the bench. If the health trend holds, New Orleans can again contend for a playoff spot in a deep West.

But health remains the variable. An Opening Night absence for Dejounte Murray and a tough early schedule could delay chemistry-building and push the team into a rugged early patch. If the roster stays cohesive and Poole/Bey translate into efficient offense, the Pelicans could reclaim momentum in November and push for a late-season run, despite the absence of a 2026 first-round pick complicating long-term assets.

The New Orleans Pelicans faced a tumultuous 2024-2025 season, finishing with a 21-61 record, largely affected by persistent injuries to key players like Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray. The anticipated growth of a promising 'Big 3' including Williamson, Murray, and Brandon Ingram was hindered, as injuries drastically impacted team chemistry and performance.

Trey Murphy stood out as a bright spot, showcasing significant improvement with career-high averages of 21.2 points and 5.1 rebounds, and establishing himself as a reliable contributor. Alternatively, Dejounte Murray's season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 31 games and raising concerns about his fitness for the next season. Players like C.J. McCollum and Herb Jones also struggled with injuries, affecting their contributions.

As the Pelicans look to rebound in the coming season, the health of their roster will be crucial in navigating the competitive Western Conference. Fantasy managers must carefully consider the injury history of these players when drafting for the upcoming season.

The Washington Wizards are prioritizing development, giving ample playing time to their younger roster, which has started to yield results for fantasy managers. Recently, Bub Carrington and AJ Johnson both scored 19 points against the Sacramento Kings, showcasing their scoring capabilities. Carrington has been particularly impressive, nearly breaking into the top 75 fantasy players over the last week, while Tristan Vukcevic provided a solid contribution with 17 points and 8 rebounds. As the Wizards continue to rely on youth, players like Justin Champagnie also become relevant in fantasy discussions.

Meanwhile, Tari Eason took advantage of Fred VanVleet's absence for the Houston Rockets, putting up a notable line in a blowout win. Isaiah Collier of the Utah Jazz also had a standout game despite a loss, demonstrating his potential as he maintains a starting role. Jose Alvarado's value has risen with CJ McCollum sidelined, while Davion Mitchell and Pelle Larsson also provided solid numbers for their teams. As the season draws to a close, these players are shaping up to be key contributors for fantasy teams in need of late-season boosts.

As the fantasy basketball playoffs approach, strategic moves on the waiver wire can be pivotal. In Week 17, focus on key players who can bolster your roster for critical matchups. Ben Simmons is emerging as a valuable asset for the Los Angeles Clippers, logging significant minutes even with star players in the mix. For those in deeper leagues, keep an eye on emerging talents like Keldon Johnson and Matas Buzelis, who are increasingly seeing favorable playing time.

Wendell Carter Jr. continues to dominate the center position for the Orlando Magic, providing consistent rebounds that can help your team immensely. Jose Alvarado's playmaking ability for the New Orleans Pelicans remains underrated, making him a solid add given his potential for assists and steals. Make sure to take advantage of daily lineup changes to maximize your roster's performance leading into the playoffs.

Success in fantasy basketball hinges on effectively navigating the waiver wire, given the high frequency of games, injuries, and shifting rotations throughout the season. Identifying available talent can significantly bolster your roster, leading to improved stats and overall performance.

This week, key players worth targeting include Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans, who has stepped up following injuries to teammates, contributing significantly with steals and assists. Isaiah Collier of the Utah Jazz continues to showcase solid playmaking skills, while Wizards' prospects like Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George are beginning to make their mark in fantasy leagues as they gain experience.