New Orleans Pelicans

Kenrich Williams received treatment for his back at a closed Pelicans’ facility and will be ready to practice once the NBA season resumes. (Source: Nola.com)

Fantasy Impact: Prior to the shutdown, Williams hasn’t played played a NBA contest since January 6th. He has only appeared in 35 games this season. “ I think it potentially helped Kenrich Williams out the most,” said VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin. “Kenrich, as you guys know, was dealing with a back issue, and this time has been really, really good for him. He’s going to be physically capable of practicing whenever we do get the opportunity to come back, so I think it’s been beneficial for Kenrich for sure.” Williams (back) should be all systems go once the NBA season resumes. The 25-year-old averaged 3.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.6 blocks and 0.7 steals across 35 games this season.

Pelicans F Zion Williamson was allowed to continue rehab on his recovery from a torn right lateral meniscus after New Orleans submitted a proposal to the NBA for Williamson to receive treatment even while the Pelicans practice facility was closed. (Source: Christian Clark on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Williamson missed the first 45 games of his rookie season after suffering a torn right lateral meniscus prior to the regular season. All along, the Pelicans took a “holistic” approach to his rehabilitation, which included not only strengthening the knee, but improving his flexibility. "As you guys know, the flexibility aspect with Zion was really critical, so they’ve [training staff] been able to continue to focus on that," said David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. "They weren’t able to do any court work during that period of time, but they were able to get the work in needed on the table, and so that was important. We’re grateful that the league allowed for that." Griffin went on to say that Williamson will be ready to go once the NBA gives the green light on resuming the season, which gained some momentum on Wednesday as Disney World was cited as a real possibility. Williamson has played in just 19 games in his NBA career, but has already shown what he’s capable of doing, averaging 23.6 points on 58.9% shooting from the field, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in just 30 minutes per game. He’s a stud and will continue to rack up the stats for fantasy owners when the season resumes.

Pelicans G Nickeil Alexander-Walker appeared on the New Orleans Pelicans Podcast with Daniel Sallerson and revealed that his hard cast has been removed. (Source: Daniel Sallerson on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Alexander-Walker is recovering from a hairline fracture in his right wrist that he suffered in early March. Fortunately for Alexander-Walker, his wrist healed properly while in a hard cast for five weeks, avoiding the need for surgery. The rookie from Virginia Tech appeared in 41 games this season, averaging 5.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 12.2 minutes per game. A return to the Pelicans lineup is a real possibilbilty should the NBA resume play this season.

Brandon Ingram produced 15 points (6-12 FG, 0-2 3PT, 3-5 FT), 12 rebounds, seven assists and one steal across a team-high 40 minutes during the Pelicans' 120-107 victory over the Timberwolves on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Ingram was quiet for the second consecutive game offensively but managed to find other ways to contribute. Sunday marked his ninth double-double of the 2020 campaign and the All-Star has proved to be a valuable fantasy asset even with Zion Williamson in the mix. Winners of two straight, Ingram and the Pelicans will look to keep things rolling on Wednesday versus the Kings.

Lonzo Ball scored 18 points (7-13 FG, 4-8 3PT, 0-1 FT), eight assists, five rebounds and two steals across 35 minutes during the Pelicans' 120-107 victory over the Timberwolves on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Lonzo Ball has really taken a step forward throughout the past month offensively. He has shown massive improvement with his jump shot and after nailing four three's on Sunday, the third-year pro has now averaged more than four three's per game during the month of March. He did commit a season-high seven turnovers on the night, but fantasy owners have to pleased with the type of production they are receiving from Ball. He will look to keep up the impressive play during Wednesday's tilt against the Kings.

Derrick Favors chipped in nine points (4-6 FG, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds and two blocks in 22 minutes during the Pelicans' 120-107 victory over the Timberwolves on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Favors was solid on Sunday and came one point and one rebound shy of a double-double. The 10-year vet has produced nicely and has received an uptick in minutes so far during the month of March. For fantasy purposes, Favors is typically a good source of rebounds but is rather inconsistent on offense. Favors and the Pelicans have won two straight and have two days off before taking on the Kings Wednesday.

Jrue Holiday scored 37 points (13-20 FG, 3-8 3PT, 8-9 FT), with nine rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and one block in 35 minutes in Sunday’s 120-107 win over Minnesota.

Fantasy Impact: Holiday came close to his first career 30-point triple double tonight as he was just two rebounds and one assist shy of the feat. Holiday has been putting up some very well-rounded lines of late, and it looks like his play has been helped a lot by Zion Williamson. On the year, Holiday is averaging 19.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 35 minutes per game. He’s providing his fantasy owners with top-25 numbers in nine-cat leagues and will most likely help some owners win some championships this year.

Josh Hard scored 19 points (6-12 FG, 3-7 3PT, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 28 minutes off the bench during the Pelicans' 110-104 victory over the Heat on Friday.

Fantasy Impact: Hart provided a major spark off the bench on Friday and picked up his ninth double-double of the season in the process. His three-pointer with a few minutes left helped stop a 17-4 run from the Miami Heat and helped New Orleans gain the momentum they needed to close out the game. Although this type of production isn't typical from Hart, the three-year pro does have the ability to be a productive fantasy asset but is mainly recommended for those in deeper leagues at the moment.

JJ Redick (hamstring) exited Friday's game early with a strained left hamstring and did not return.

Fantasy Impact: The 14-year vet chipped in an assist and a rebound in only four minutes before injuring his hamstring. The severity of the injury is currently unknown so Redick should be considered day-to-day until further notice.

Nicolo Melli compiled 11 points (5-8 FG, 1-3 3PT), six rebounds, two assists, and one block in 27 minutes off the bench Tuesday night.

Fantasy Impact: Melli has now put up double-digit points off the bench in all three games since the All-Star break. The untraditional rookie is making a case for fantasy consideration in deeper leagues.

E’Twaun Moore provided 10 points (5-8 FG, 0-2 3Pt) and a block over 14 minutes in the Pelicans’ 117-109 loss to the Rockets on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Moore had an efficient shooting night on his way to a second straight double-digit scoring game. He's been a regular in the Pels' rotation this season, though Moore's minutes have taken a hit since Zion Williamson returned to the lineup. Moore has averaged just 7.6 points across 13.2 minutes in his last five games, and there are likely better options on the waiver wire, even in deep leagues.

Jaxson Hayes collected two points (1-3 FG) and two rebounds over four minutes in the Pelicans’ 117-109 loss to the Rockets on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Hayes logged his fewest minutes since December in Sunday's loss, and his role has continued to diminish with the return of Zion Williamson. In six games with Williamson in the lineup, Hayes has averaged just 5.0 points and 2.3 rebounds across 11.3 minutes in that span. He belongs on the waiver wire outside of dynasty leagues at this point.

Jahlil Okafor (back) will not play Monday against the Grizzlies. (Source: Andrew Lopez on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Okafur will miss his third straight game due to a back injury. With Derrick Favors also ruled out, look for Jaxson Hayes to see an uptick in minutes at the center spot. Okafur's next chance to return will be Wednesday's game against the Spurs.

Frank Jackson scored a team-high 22 points (9-18 FG, 4-10 3PT, 0-2 FT), two assists and one block across 33 minutes in Saturday's 140-105 loss to the Celtics.

Fantasy Impact: Jackson scored double figures for the first time since November 14th's win over the Clippers. With J.J. Redick (hamstring) or Jrue Holiday (elbow) sidelined, Jackson stepped up and dropped 22 points off the bench in Saturday's loss. Jackson hasn't logged more than nine minutes since December 7th. Unless Holiday and Reddick are both out again, Jackson is a deep-league flyer at best. The Pelican next scheduled game is Monday, away against the Pistons.