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Pelicans' Dejounte Murray broke hand in opener

Thu Oct 24 3:13am ET
Field Level Media

Dejounte Murray broke his left hand during his New Orleans Pelicans debut on Wednesday, ESPN reported.

The 28-year-old guard produced 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds as the Pelicans beat the visiting Chicago Bulls 123-111. The injury apparently occurred with 2:21 to play in the fourth quarter and New Orleans up by 12.

Murray attempted a 3-pointer, was fouled by Zach LaVine and fell to the floor. He appeared to be in some discomfort as he was helped up -- by his right arm -- then went to the foul line and made 2 of 3 attempts.

Murray was substituted out of the game with a minute left and the Pelicans leading by 15. He did not speak with reporters postgame.


"Hopefully, he's not out too long," Pelicans guard CJ McCollum said. "He looked at me and said his hand didn't feel right. He just continued to play. ... He battled through, he played and played well considering those circumstances."

Murray started for New Orleans and played 30 minutes in his first game since he was acquired from Atlanta in a July trade. The Hawks received Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller and two first-round draft picks.

The Spurs selected Murray in the first round of the 2016 draft out of the University of Washington, and he remained in San Antonio through the 2021-22 season -- his only All-Star campaign.

He was dealt to Atlanta in July 2022.

Last season, Murray averaged a career-high 22.5 points to go with 5.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists. In 473 career games (402 starts), he has averages of 15.4 points, 5.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds.

Player Notes
Immanuel Quickley Wed Oct 23 9:20pm

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvic) has been ruled out for the rest of Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Quickley suffered what is being called a right pelvis contusion during the second quarter of this contest. The Raptors will hold him out for the second half of this game and will likely give more details after the game. He finished with 13 points and four assists across 14 minutes of play before exiting. Davion Mitchell started in the second half and would likely be asked to take on a bigger role if Quickley misses time. Mitchell has been inconsistent throughout his career, but could be a possible streaming option if Quickley is sidelined for multiple games.

Grayson Allen Wed Oct 23 9:10pm

Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (Achilles) is available ahead of Wednesday's season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. Allen missed the entire preseason due to a lingering Achilles issue. However, Allen has been cleared to play, but it's uncertain how much time on the court he'll see in the opener. Allen figures to be one of the Suns primary reserves off the bench throughout the season. He should be able to carve out consistent playing time, but the Suns might ease him back into action for the first few games. Allen is more of a deep league option and is avoidable for DFS contests on Wednesday.

Scoot Henderson Wed Oct 23 9:00pm

Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson is not part of the starting five during Wednesday's season opener against the Golden State Warriors. The expectation was that Henderson would start alongside Anfernee Simons in the backcourt. Instead, Simons will be the point guard while Toumani Camara serves as the shooting guard on Wednesday. The hope is that Henderson will get roughly 20 minutes of action off the bench. It seems a bit odd that the rebuilding Blazers have opted to have their former No. 3 overall selection come off the bench, but maybe things will change over time. Henderson is worth rostering in most formats, but isn't a must-start right now.

Jalen Williams Wed Oct 23 8:40pm

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's season opener against the Denver Nuggets. Williams suffered a left ankle sprain during a preseason contest against Atlanta and missed practice last week because of it. Despite that, Williams appears to be ready to go and should be in the starting five for Thursday's game. The 23-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 31 minutes per game last season. He figures to start at power forward and be a viable fantasy option in most formats.

James Wiseman Wed Oct 23 8:40pm

Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (calf) won't return during Wednesday's season opener against the Detroit Pistons. Wiseman limped off the court after suffering what looked to be a non-contact injury during the first half of Wednesday's game. This is bad news with Isaiah Jackson (groin) inactive for the season opener. That means, Obi Toppin could see big minutes during the second half of this contest. Wiseman finished with six points and one rebound in four minutes of action. The 23-year-old figures to be the primary backup to Jackson once both players are healthy. Until then, Toppin could be asked to play big minutes for Indiana.

Dejounte Murray Wed Oct 23 7:40pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (personal) will play on Wednesday against Chicago. He was away while dealing with a personal matter. However, the veteran was at shootaround on Wednesday and warmed up with the team, so fantasy managers had a feeling he'd be out there. Without Zion Williamson (illness) available, Murray could surge versus the Bulls. He'll also be a popular DFS option.

Jose Alvarado Wed Oct 23 7:40pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (knee) will suit up for Wednesday's matchup against the Bulls. He's been plagued by a right knee contusion and was listed as questionable. Fortunately, he's good to go. The Pelicans could certainly use him, considering the team will be without Zion Williamson (illness). As a result, Alvarado may see more minutes from off the bench, making him a viable fantasy option in any format.

Ben Simmons Wed Oct 23 7:30pm

Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons will start in Wednesday's matchup versus the Hawks. Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) will suit up. However, head coach Jordi Fernandez indicated he would be on a minutes restriction. Simmons struggled last season. Yet, there's no denying his triple-double upside, so he could easily surpass his fantasy expectations now that he's in the starting lineup.

Josh Green Wed Oct 23 7:30pm

Charlotte Hornets forward Josh Green (Achilles) won't play on Wednesday versus the Rockets. The 23-year-old is battling Achilles soreness and was initially listed as questionable. However, he won't be available, so his next chance to suit up will be on Friday versus Atlanta. Without Green in the mix, Cody Martin will likely take his spot in the rotation. The 2019 No. 36 overall pick was decent in 22 starts last season, averaging 7.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals, giving him value to fantasy managers in deeper formats.

Dean Wade Wed Oct 23 7:10pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade will start in Wednesday's meeting with the Raptors. Max Strus (ankle) will be sidelined for at least four weeks, so Wade will do his best to fill the void in the lineup. Unfortunately, the 27-year-old averaged only 6.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 32 starts last season. With that in mind, fantasy managers shouldn't consider him a trustworthy option versus Toronto. Instead, Caris LeVert could exceed offensive expectations and is worth streaming, even though he'll come off the bench.

Eric Gordon Wed Oct 23 7:00pm

Philadelphia 76ers' guard Eric Gordon will start Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The veteran signed a one-year deal with the 76ers in the off-season after spending last season in Phoenix, where he averaged 8.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 68 games. As the season progresses, the 35-year-old will provide a three-point scoring threat off the bench but will likely not be much of a fantasy factor.

Dejounte Murray Wed Oct 23 6:50pm

New Orleans Pelicans forward Dejounte Murray (personal) has been upgraded from questionable to probable for Wednesday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. He was away from the team due to a personal matter, although he was spotted at shootaround on Wednesday and is currently warming up. Of course, anything can change, but it appears fantasy managers will have him in the lineup for opening night. With Zion Williamson (illness) out, Murray could exceed his fantasy expectations, especially on the scoring end.

Zion Williamson Wed Oct 23 6:40pm

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (illness) won't play against the Bulls on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has been under the weather, so fantasy managers already felt things were moving in this direction. However, he missed shootaround on Wednesday, which further solidified he wouldn't be good to go. Without Williamson in the lineup, Javonte Green may roll with the first five. But Dejounte Murray (personal), assuming he plays, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum will likely benefit the most.

Nicolas Claxton Wed Oct 23 6:40pm

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) will play fewer minutes than usual in Wednesday's matchup versus the Hawks. The 25-year-old missed the entire preseason with a hamstring injury, so head coach Jordi Fernandez wants to play it safe. Still, Claxton is worth starting in all fantasy setups, even with a cap on his minutes. But with Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) sidelined, Noah Clowney could spend more time in the middle. There's also a chance the Nets go small, with Dorian Finney-Smith and Ben Simmons handling things underneath the basket.

Andre Drummond Wed Oct 23 6:30pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond will start on Wednesday night versus Milwaukee. Joel Embiid (knee) won't suit up for at least three games, so Drummond may see plenty of time in the middle for the foreseeable future. The 31-year-old was dominant in 10 starts with the Bulls last season, averaging 14.1 points, 17.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals. As a result, Drummond should be featured in any fantasy lineup imaginable. There's also room for Guerschon Yabusele to get involved enough to warrant starting consideration in deeper fantasy setups.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Wed Oct 23 6:30pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) will suit up for Wednesday's matchup with the 76ers. He has a case of Tendinitis. However, the veteran was listed as probable, so there wasn't much concern regarding his availability. With Khris Middleton (ankles) still sidelined, Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard should see even more looks at the basket. Fantasy managers already know he's a must-start. Yet, Antetokounmpo's fantasy potential is greater without Middleton on the floor.

Jalen Williams Wed Oct 23 6:20pm

Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced on Wednesday that the Thunder had exercised their fourth-year contract option on guard/forward Jalen Williams (ankle). Williams started all 72 games he suited up for last season, averaging 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.13 steals in 31.3 minutes per contest. The 23-year-old has been named to the NBA Rising Stars team in the last two seasons, and he should be a force in fantasy for many years to come. Williams is listed as questionable for Thursday's regular-season opener versus Denver due to a left ankle sprain, but he has been practicing.

Ousmane Dieng Wed Oct 23 5:40pm

On Wednesday, Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced they had exercised their fourth-year contract option on forward Ousmane Dieng. Dieng has played 72 games in the past two seasons and averaged 4.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 13 minutes per contest. The 21-year-old had an excellent season in the G League in 2024 as he helped the Blue win their first Championship and was named G League Finals MVP.

Chet Holmgren Wed Oct 23 5:30pm

On Wednesday, Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced that the team had exercised its fourth-year contract option on forward/center Chet Holmgren. Last season, he received NBA All-Rookie First Team honors as he started 82 games. He also finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks in 29.4 minutes. The 22-year-old quietly filled the stat sheet last season, and he will also make a significant impact in fantasy for this year's campaign.

Sam Hauser Wed Oct 23 5:00pm

Boston Celtics small forward Sam Hauser is listed as questionable for tomorrow night's game against the Washington Wizards with lower back pain. Hauser was able to log 24 minutes in Tuesday night's thrashing of the New York Knicks and put up 10 points while going two-for-seven from deep. Those numbers are in line with what Hauser produced off the bench for Boston last season and aren't fully a beneficiary of garbage time. If Hauser is ruled out for tomorrow night's game, expect Xavier Tillman Sr. to get a bit more shooting volume at the forward position, though his scoring threats are more likely to happen in the interior rather than from deep. It's possible that Payton Pritchard may see more of an uptick in three point attempts to make up for Hauser's absence if he is indeed ruled out. Fantasy managers should target Pritchard over Tillman Sr. if there's a choice between the two.