Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Could operate as starting center
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Jones is expected to serve as the Pelicans' starting center this season, Shams Charania of ESPN.com reports.
Jones is one of the NBA's best defensive forwards but is now expected to operate as a small-ball center for New Orleans alongside Zion Williamson in the frontcourt. The departure of Jonas Valanciunas has left a gap at the position that could also be filled by rookie Yves Missi, but Jones' shot-blocking prowess at his size could earn him starting center minutes early on.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Starting against Orlando
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Jones will start Monday's preseason game against Orlando.
Brandon Ingram is sitting out Monday's game for undisclosed reasons, but he's not injured. Jones could see increased run to open the season with Trey Murphy battling a hamstring issue. On a per-minute basis, Jones is a terrific source of steals and blocks.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Efficient despite loss in Game 2
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Jones chipped in 18 points (6-9 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and one assist over 36 minutes during Wednesday's 124-92 loss to the Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round.
Jones posted his best performance of the current postseason run, but his efforts were not enough as the Pelicans suffered a 32-point loss and now face an 0-2 deficit in the first-round series. Jones has scored in double digits in just four of his 12 appearances this month, and this 18-point output tied his best scoring mark since posting a 19-point effort against Miami on Feb. 23, so he's not expected to carry the Pelicans on offense in Game 3 on Saturday.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Passive performance Tuesday
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Jones finished Tuesday's 110-106 Play-In Game loss to the Lakers with 10 points (4-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt) and two steals across 35 minutes.
Jones failed to have a significant impact in the loss, delivering serviceable contributions on both ends of the floor. Tuesday's loss will now see the Pelicans having to suit up Friday, where they will face either the Kings or the Warriors. Although Jones is a key piece for New Orleans, his production is something that typically fluctuates in both fantasy and reality.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Shown walking papers in loss
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Jones was ejected from Wednesday's 117-108 loss to the Magic after totaling six points (2-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one assist and one steal in 41 minutes.
Jones was unproductive during 41 minutes of playing time before being ejected alongside Dyson Daniels and Trey Murphy. The ejection came with only seven seconds remaining, and it seems unlikely that he'll miss any time as a result of the ejection. He should be good to go against the Spurs on Friday.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Struggles with shot
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Jones supplied 16 points (4-12 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 6-6 FT), two rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal over 31 minutes during Tuesday's 119-112 loss to the Thunder.
Jones' primary responsibility Tuesday was slowing down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24 points, 9-20 FG), although going cold from beyond the arc stagnated the Pelicans' offense down the stretch. That said, Jones knocking down 42.5 percent of 3.5 threes per game this season appears sustainable, as the 25-year-old is making 41.9 percent of his guarded attempts.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Probable for Tuesday
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Jones (hip/back) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Nets.
This is an expected injury designation, as Jones was able to practice in full Monday after missing Saturday's game versus Portland. If he gets through warmups without any setbacks, he'll likely be right back in the starting lineup, with Trey Murphy moving to the bench.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Goes through practice
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Jones (hip) was able to go through a full practice Monday, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
Jones didn't play Saturday against Portland after tweaking his hip and back after a fall during Friday's win over the Clippers. It sounds like he's trending in the right direction for Tuesday against the Nets, but there should be more clarity when the Pelicans release their injury report Monday evening.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Out against Portland
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Jones (hip/back) will not play Saturday against Portland, Christian Clark of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
Jones is a bit shaken up after a scary fall during Friday's win versus the Clippers. He was able to carry on in that game, but he's experiencing soreness Saturday and will be day-to-day going forward. Trey Murphy is likely to benefit the most from a fantasy perspective in Jones' absence.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Questionable against Portland
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Jones is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Trail Blazers due to a lower back/hip contusion.
Jones is in danger of missing his first game since Feb. 2 on Saturday due to a lower back/hip injury. If Jones is ruled out, Trey Murphy will likely replace him in the starting lineup.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Hits five threes vs. Toronto
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Jones registered 17 points (6-10 FG, 5-8 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and two steals across 25 minutes during Tuesday's 139-98 win over Toronto.
Jones' five threes Tuesday was a season-high mark for the 2021 second-round pick out of Alabama. His shooting from beyond the arc has risen to 43.6 percent on 3.6 attempts per game, both of which are career highs. Jones has scored 15-plus points in seven of his last nine outings.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: All-around showing in victory
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Jones provided 17 points (5-9 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds, one assist and five steals over 35 minutes during Monday's 96-87 victory over the Grizzlies.
Jones led all Pelicans players in scoring and steals while connecting on a team-high-tying trio of threes and ending one rebound short of a double-double in a well-rounded performance. Jones has hauled in nine or more rebounds in two games this season, while his five steals tied a season high. He has recorded at least 15 points and five boards in seven outings this year.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Back in action Monday
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Jones (groin) will play Monday versus Toronto, Erin Summers of Bally Sports New Orleans reports.
Jones returns from a two-game absence that was due to right adductor soreness. He is joined by Zion Williamson (foot) and Larry Nance (ankle) in being cleared to play, bringing the Pelicans to full strength Monday.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Iffy for Monday
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Jones (adductor) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's game against the Raptors.
Jones is at risk of missing his third consecutive game due to a sore right adductor. On a positive note, Jones was able to log a full practice Sunday, so even if he's unavailable Monday, he appears to be trending in the right direction.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Won't play Friday
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Jones (thigh) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Spurs, Andrew Lopez of ESPN.com reports.
Jones continues to deal with a sore right adductor and will be unavailable for a second consecutive matchup. He'll have a few days to rest before the Pelicans face the Raptors on Monday. Trey Murphy and Naji Marshall could see increased run Friday.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Partially participates in practice
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Jones (thigh) participated in portions of Thursday's practice session, Christian Clark of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
Jones was unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Rockets, but it's encouraging that he was at least able to partially participate in practice a day later. However, it's not yet clear whether he'll be available for Friday's game against the Spurs. If Jones and/or Zion Williamson (foot) are sidelined again, Naji Marshall and Jonas Valanciunas should see increased run for the Pelicans.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Questionable for Wednesday
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Jones is questionable to play Wednesday versus Houston due to right adductor soreness.
Jones hasn't missed a game since Nov. 12, but if he's unable to suit up Wednesday, all of Trey Murphy, Naji Marshall and Jordan Hawkins could be in store for expanded roles.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Midseason struggles continue
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Jones ended Friday's 123-109 loss to Phoenix with nine points (4-9 FG, 1-6 3Pt), three rebounds and two assists across 23 minutes.
Jones continues to struggle on both ends of the floor, failing to record a steal for the fourth time in the past five games. After his strong start to the season, Jones' production has fallen off a cliff over the past month, and he's averaged just 9.8 points per game to go with 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 combined steals and blocks. At this point, he should be viewed as nothing more than a category-league specialist, albeit one who often struggles in his preferred category.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Drains four threes in rout
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Jones logged 12 points (4-7 FG, 4-7 3Pt), five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal across 23 minutes during Wednesday's 141-105 win over the Warriors.
Every one of Jones' seven shots Wednesday came from beyond the arc, and he efficiently made four. That tied the season-high total that he established three games prior versus Minnesota. Jones is averaging a career-best 1.3 triples per contest this season, though his strongest skill remains his defense. After picking up two blocks and one steal Wednesday, he's averaging 1.3 thefts and 1.0 swats on the season.
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Pelicans' Herbert Jones: Night to forget Tuesday
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Jones recorded four points (2-8 FG, 0-4 3Pt), three rebounds, three assists and one steal in 32 minutes during Tuesday's 116-115 overtime loss to the Grizzlies.
Jones was disappointing again Tuesday, scoring fewer than eight points for the seventh time in the past eight games. While the scoring has been a real issue, his lack of production on the defensive end is perhaps the bigger concern. Over the eight-game span, he has recorded a total of just five steals and two blocks. For a player whose fantasy value is built on defensive numbers, the recent trend is not what managers want to be seeing. He falls mainly into the specialist category for now, meaning he can be dropped in standard leagues.
