Before the game: the story
Reported Pelicans lose starting center Yves Missi to knee injury
Yves Missi is out against Denver with a left knee contusion and bone bruise. ESPN reported he had to be helped to the locker room in Friday's loss at Utah. A Locked On NBA host doesn't think it's serious but says his long-term status is unknown.
Sources: Yves Missi status (Bluesky) · ESPN: “Pelicans center Yves Missi helped off court vs. Jazz with knee injury” · Locked On NBA “BEST NBA NIGHT EVER! YOU HAD TO BE THERE!” at 9:43
Also in the picture (3)
- Opinion Who fills the Pelicans' hole at center?
The Athletic's Shamit says New Orleans plans to go center by committee and thinks Derik Queen isn't ready to start. Queen had 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks at Utah. Shamit makes Sadiq Bey the favorite if the lineup changes, and a Locked On Pelicans host sees Queen as a long-term power forward.
Sources: The Athletic NBA Daily “Sixers Thrive + Jamal Murray down bad? | Slam N Ja” at 41:47, 42:48 · RotoWire note: Derik Queen · Locked On Pelicans “Impossible Puzzle? | New Orleans Pelicans Starting” at 18:43
- Reported Mosley's two-point-guard lineup raises questions
The Athletic NBA Daily noted that new coach Jamahl Mosley started both Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears, while Herb Jones came off the bench for just 17 minutes at Utah. Zach Lowe said he has "no idea" what this team is supposed to be. New Orleans has lost to Indiana and to Utah, 120-119.
Sources: The Athletic NBA Daily “Sixers Thrive + Jamal Murray down bad? | Slam N Ja” at 34:47 · Locked On Pelicans “Impossible Puzzle? | New Orleans Pelicans Starting” at 2:18 · The Zach Lowe Show “Opening Night Overreactions, Alarming Trends, Hot” at 1:15:55 · Locked On Pelicans “New Coach, Same Problems: Pelicans' Opening Night” at 6:03 · ESPN: “Tyrese Haliburton leads Pacers' opening-night win in emotional return …”
- Opinion Nuggets look for answers after flat opener in OKC
Denver lost 96-84 at Oklahoma City, according to ESPN. RotoWire had Jamal Murray going 2-of-11 from the field while Aaron Gordon scored 20. An Athletic NBA Daily host blamed a bench-heavy second-half lineup that included newcomer DeMar DeRozan.
Sources: ESPN: “Thunder overcome SGA's shooting woes to beat Nuggets 96-84 in home ope…” · RotoWire note: Jamal Murray · RotoWire note: Aaron Gordon · The Athletic NBA Daily “The Thunder Are Inevitable + Philly Trusts the Pro” at 5:09 · Roster: DeMar DeRozan
Written by our system from the reports, posts and podcasts linked here, in our own words; written Oct 24, 4:30 PM ET, before tip. Rumors and opinions are labelled.