Derik Queen

Memphis Grizzlies (18-27, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (12-37, 15th in the Western Conference)New Orleans; Friday, 7:30 p.m. ESTBOTTOM LINE: Memphis hits the road against New Orleans looking to end its five-game road skid.The Pelicans are 6-26 against Western Conference opponents. New Orleans is seventh in the Western Conference in rebounding averaging 44.0 rebounds. Derik Queen paces the Pelicans with 7.4 boards.The Grizzlies are 14-15 in Western Conference play. Memphis ranks fourth in the Western Conference with 34.0 defensive rebounds per game led by Zach Edey averaging 7.2.The Pelicans average 114.4 points per game, 1.9 fewer points than the 116.3 the Grizzlies allow. The Grizzlies average 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 fewer made shots on average than the 14.8 per game the Pelicans allow.The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Pelicans won 133-127 in the last matchup on Jan. 24.TOP PERFORMERS: Queen is shooting 48.4% and averaging 12.1 points for the Pelicans. Trey Murphy III is averaging 24.0 points over the last 10 games.Cam Spencer is scoring 11.7 points per game and averaging 2.7 rebounds for the Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 21.0 points and 6.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 4-6, averaging 114.3 points, 46.9 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 8.8 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.4 points per game.Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 110.5 points, 46.4 rebounds, 28.4 assists, 7.3 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.1 points.INJURIES: Pelicans: Dejounte Murray: out (leg).Grizzlies: Scotty Pippen Jr.: out (toe), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Santi Aldama: out (knee), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Ty Jerome: out (calf), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).___The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

After starting for most of his rookie season, Missi has primarily been an afterthought in his second year due to the arrival of Derik Queen. However, since the calendar flipped to 2026, the 6-foot-11 center has averaged 22.3 minutes per game. While Missi's fantasy value hasn't been great during this stretch, the increase in playing time gives him more chances to do what he did on Sunday: record a double-double with a few "stocks." Due to foul trouble, Queen (four points, four rebounds and one assist) played 17 minutes, which opened the door for Missi.

Jones is back in the lineup following an eight-game absence, and he'll immediately start. Jeremiah Fears, who has started every game since the third game of the season, will head to the bench. Fears should still play a significant role, but he doesn't hold the same value as a reserve.

VJ Edgecombe is third, but overlook Cedric Coward or Derik Queen at your own risk. We've got betting tips for this race, too.

Detroit Pistons (31-10, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (10-35, 15th in the Western Conference)New Orleans; Wednesday, 8 p.m. ESTBOTTOM LINE: Detroit will attempt to extend its three-game win streak with a victory against New Orleans.The Pelicans have gone 7-18 at home. New Orleans averages 13.6 turnovers per game and is 8-15 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents.The Pistons are 13-6 in road games. Detroit ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference with 32.9 defensive rebounds per game led by Jalen Duren averaging 6.8.The Pelicans make 46.5% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.6 percentage points higher than the Pistons have allowed to their opponents (43.9%). The Pistons average 11.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.6 fewer made shots on average than the 14.8 per game the Pelicans give up.TOP PERFORMERS: Derik Queen is averaging 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists for the Pelicans. Trey Murphy III is averaging 23.3 points over the last 10 games.Cade Cunningham is averaging 25.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 9.8 assists for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 2-8, averaging 112.5 points, 43.0 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 8.3 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.1 points per game.Pistons: 7-3, averaging 110.7 points, 44.3 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 11.7 steals and 8.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 101.3 points.INJURIES: Pelicans: Jose Alvarado: out (oblique), Dejounte Murray: out (leg), Herbert Jones: day to day (ankle).Pistons: None listed.___The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.