Estadísticas de jugadores y previa: New Orleans Pelicans contra Houston Rockets (19 mar 2027)

Smart has been suspended three games for throwing a punch during Wednesday's matchup against Golden State, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Smart, who was ejected from Wednesday's game for punching Charles Bassey, will begin serving his suspension Friday night against the Jazz, meaning he'll be eligible to return Wednesday versus Indiana. Bruce Thornton and Reed Sheppard should be in line for more minutes while Smart serves his three-game ban.

Head coach Ime Udoka said Monday that Adams could return as soon as Sunday's game at Washington, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports. The veteran center is still recovering from a right soleus strain and hasn't played since Oct. 23. With Adams and Clint Capela (ankle) both sidelined, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith figure to see increased burn at center.

Head coach Ime Udoka stated Monday that Capela (ankle) could be cleared to return either Nov. 15 in Washington or Nov. 16 in Miami, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports. Capela is missing a fourth straight game Monday against Denver due to a right ankle sprain, but he appears to be trending in the right direction. He'll presumably need to log 5-on-5 work before gaining clearance to play, though the Rockets haven't disclosed how far along the big man is in his rehab.

Murphy (knee) is out for Friday's game against Memphis. Murphy will miss a third consecutive game while nursing bilateral patellar tendinopathy. He'll aim to return in the second leg of this back-to-back set against the Nuggets on Saturday. Saddiq Bey should continue to see an expanded role with Murphy on the sidelines.

Murray (ankle) is out for Friday's game against Memphis. This was the expectation after the star guard requested a trade from the Pelicans earlier Friday. Given his standing with the club, Murray can be tentatively considered doubtful for future contests while New Orleans tries to find him another home.

Missi (knee) is out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Even though Missi has been trending in the right direction and was recently cleared to resume on-court activities, this game will come too soon for him. This means Missi will miss an 11th consecutive game while dealing with a left knee bone bruise. His next chance to play will come Saturday against the Nuggets, and in the meantime, Karlo Matkovic will remain in the starting lineup.

McGowens (elbow) is listed as out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. McGowens has been downgraded from doubtful to out with a left elbow infection. He faces a quick turnaround to return ahead of Saturday's tilt against Denver.

Watford (ankle) is listed as out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Friday marks a third consecutive absence for Watford, who has no timetable for a return with a sprained ankle. His absence solidifies DeAndre Jordan's spot in the center rotation.