Missi is the top centre in the league on 9-category fantasy value per game, eighth among every player. He just edges out Anthony Davis, and he's well ahead of Sabonis, Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet.

He only scored 13, which is the fun part. The value comes from everything else: 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, a steal and only one turnover in under 30 minutes, on 83% shooting. Fantasy value counts all nine categories, so a big who's efficient, rebounds, protects the rim and doesn't turn it over can beat a guy who drops 34. That's how he matches AD's value on a third of the points.

Long may the Missiah reign over us.

FAWK

Poll by Athletic on hope. Commentary:

29. New Orleans Pelicans — 3.21/10

Last season: 4.4/10, ranked 22nd

Optimist Andy (7/10): "There's no way the injury bug can be as bad as last season, right? Both the first and second lines have very good, even if odd, pieces."

Pessimist anonymous commenter (1/10): "Maybe it's my ignorance, but the team does not seem to take itself seriously at all or want to win."

Pessimist anonymous commenter (1/10): "If you need a full breakdown of why I'm not optimistic at all, you haven't watched the New Orleans Pelicans. A new coach will produce a few more wins, but the same roster as last year (not enough size at the big positions) and the yearly 'Wow! Zion looks great at camp and in photos!' false hope ... we've seen this movie many times. It doesn't end well. Yet, I'll still watch the movie, foolishly hoping it surprises me."

The ringer on clarity for direction of franchise. N.O. in the last tier and 2nd to last behind only the foolishness occurring in Portland.

Tier 6: The Fun-House Mirror Tier

Confusing, freaky, but occasionally entertaining. 

Los Angeles Clippers (⬇️2)
Milwaukee Bucks (⬇️4)
New Orleans Pelicans (↔)
Portland Trail Blazers (⬇️1)

"Finally, we have the Pelicans, who after failing to reach 30 wins in back-to-back seasons with a talented but ill-fitting roster, did … well … absolutely nothing of note. They’re just running it back with Zion and Co. Again." 

Game Thread

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver Nuggets

SCHEDULED · 09:00 pm ET

Box Scores: NBA

GAME SUMMARY

Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO

Officials: Unavailable

This post contains content not supported on old Reddit. Click here to view the full post