Pelicans injury report: JJ Redick expected to play Saturday vs. Clippers [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Jan. 18, 1:48 p.m. — JJ Redick is expected to play, though he’s sort of a game-time decision Saturday vs. the Clippers.

With Redick likely back, we could see Nicolo Melli head back to the bench, with Brandon Ingram and Derrick Favors in the frontcourt. Or Josh Hart will go back to the bench with Redick starting. I’d say Melli will come off the bench and takes a bit of a value hit, though Jahlil Okafor will remain out Saturday. Redick is in a revenge spot vs. his former team, though we don’t know how many minutes he’ll play and the Clippers are a good defensive unit.

UPDATE: Jan. 16, 6:39 p.m. — Ingram and Favors are expected to play, per coach Alvin Gentry.

With Ingram and Favors back, there’s a bit of a downgrade to Lonzo Ball, especially considering the matchup. I think Ingram is fine to roll out once he’s confirmed in the lineup. Favors will have the frontcourt to himself with Jahlil Okafor sidelined. Josh Hart also is in a good spot with Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick still out.

UPDATE: Jan. 16, 1:22 p.m. — Ingram is a game-time decision Thursday vs. the Utah Jazz, while Derrick Favors says he’ll be good to go.

UPDATE: Jan. 15, 5:38 p.m. — We’ve got the official report for Thursday and here’s how it breaks down.

UPDATE: Jan. 15, 2:00 p.m. — Ingram, Holiday, Redick and Favors are all still considered day-to-day, per coach Alvin Gentry.

The Pelicans were without all four players for their OT win over the Pistons on Monday. I imagine all four will be questionable for Thursday’s matchup with the Utah Jazz. It’ll be tougher for NOLA to get past Utah without four starters, but we’ll still get decent value plays if that’s the case.

UPDATE: Jan. 13, 6:42 p.m. — Ingram, Holiday, Redick and Favors have all been ruled out vs. the Pistons.

So this would put Hart, Ball and Hayes all in very good position for tonight’s slate. I’d say the Pelicans value will be very chalky and Ball will likely get high usage and minutes in this situation. Going up against a depleted Pistons squad, I’d consider it more good chalk than bad chalk.

UPDATE: Jan. 13, 5:34 p.m. — Ingram is unlikely to play vs. the Pistons. Favors is a game-time decision.

If Ingram is indeed ruled out, there will be a lot of usage to make up. Lonzo Ball would become a decent play along with Josh Hart and E’Twaun Moore in DFS. But overall, the Pelicans outlook would be bleak. If Favors remains out, Jaxson Hayes is the play and he’d really be one of the only true bigs available for New Orleans.

UPDATE: Jan. 13, 1:09 p.m. — Now, Brandon Ingram has popped up on the injury report and he’s questionable to play vs. the Pistons due to a knee injury. Favors is also questionable, while Redick is out and Holiday is doubtful.

So this makes things way more iffy heading into tonight. Ingram isn’t a safe play until we know more and whether he’ll go or not is up in the air. Redick and Holiday are both likely out, so Hart and Moore should continue to start next to Ball. If Ingram is out, we could see Jaxson Hayes back in there with Favors to create more of a traditional lineup. The Pels had been playing Ingram at the 4 generally.

New Orleans Pelicans G Jrue Holiday is unlikely to return to the lineup Monday vs. the Detroit Pistons. J.J. Redick and Derrick Favors both have a chance at playing, per coach Alvin Gentry.

Holiday has been sidelined the past four games while dealing with an elbow injury. Redick and Favors were both held out of Saturday’s loss to the Celtics due to hamstring injuries. With all three out, the Pelicans started Josh Hart, E’Twaun Moore and Jaxson Hayes. Hart had been starting for Holiday, so that should continue vs. Detroit. If Redick and Favors return, both Moore and Hayes go back to the bench.

Fantasy Basketball Analysis

With Holiday sidelined the past four games, Brandon Ingram ($8,100) has really thrived. Not counting last game vs. the Celtics, which was a massive blowout, Ingram had scored at least 51 fantasy points in three straight games. I’m not sure why his price is down $300 more since last game considering the Pistons lack frontcourt depth due to injuries. Even with Redick and Favors back, I’d suspect Ingram is a top GPP play on tonight’s seven-game slate on DraftKings.

Lonzo Ball ($6,900) has a nice price (Yes, I am a child) — but seriously, Ball has oddly seen less usage since Holiday has been out, but has been just as productive in fantasy. He’s scored at least 42.25 FPTS in five of his past seven games. If Favors is ruled out, I’d be interested in Hayes ($4,600) as well. If Redick sits, give me Moore ($4,500).