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 conclusion of the NBA regular season marks a significant milestone for former UConn players, showcasing their talent in their rookie years. Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs has emerged as a front-runner for Rookie of the Year, leading all rookies with impressive stats, including an average of 14.7 points per game. Tyrese Martin made strides with the Brooklyn Nets, securing a two-year contract after a standout season, while Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers showcased his potential despite injuries. Other Huskies like Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton also demonstrated their capabilities, leaving fans optimistic about their futures in the league.

As the fantasy basketball season intensifies, many managers find themselves in a race for valuable players. With limited moves available, streaming options are crucial. Rostered in under 50% of leagues, players like Scotty Pippen Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies and Gary Trent Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks are making waves. Pippen, thriving in Ja Morant's absence, averages 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.2 assists over his last six games. Similarly, Trent has stepped up significantly following Damian Lillard's indefinite absence, averaging 14.9 points with solid contributions in steals and three-pointers.

Completing the list are Kevin Porter Jr., Orlando Robinson, Ryan Dunn, and Jordan Hawkins. Porter, a risqué pick, offers high upside despite inconsistency, while Robinson is starting to find his footing as the Raptors close out the season. Dunn's recent surge for the Suns is noteworthy, and Hawkins has emerged as a scoring threat for a struggling Pelicans team. As the postseason approaches, these players could prove vital for your fantasy roster.

The playoff landscape is becoming increasingly chaotic, making it tougher for fantasy managers to navigate injuries and reduced minutes from star players. Yet, several lesser-known players are stepping up, providing viable options for your fantasy roster. Jared Butler of the Philadelphia 76ers, for instance, has been a solid contributor averaging 13.2 points and 6 assists over the last five games, making him a reliable stream option with potential for double-digit scoring.

Tre Jones continues to impress for the Chicago Bulls with top-50 value, highlighted by a recent 18/4/12 performance. Teammate Kevin Huerter is also making waves in the starting lineup, averaging nearly 15 points and 6 rebounds in his last few games. For those in need of shooting depth, Jordan Hawkins from New Orleans could see increased minutes due to Trey Murphy's season-ending injury.

Other players worth considering include Gary Payton II, who has emerged as a strong option with fifth-round value in the last two weeks, and Jordan Goodwin, who could be a short-term starter for the Lakers. Lastly, rookies AJ Johnson and Matisse Thybulle offer intriguing, albeit risky, upside for managers looking to take a shot during this unpredictable playoff stretch.

The New Orleans Pelicans face a devastating blow as Dejounte Murray has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, ending his season prematurely. This injury occurred during a recent game against the Boston Celtics, in which the Pelicans lost 118-116. Murray's injury highlights a season riddled with challenges, as he joins an extensive list of sidelined teammates. Currently, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Daniel Theis, and Jordan Hawkins are all unavailable, contributing to a dismal campaign for the Pelicans. Murray's situation is particularly severe, considering he had already struggled with a fractured hand earlier in the season, and this latest setback is likely to affect his availability for a significant portion of next season as well.