The Pelicans are relieved that Yves MissyThe injury to the left knee is less serious than it seemed when it happened, he writes Rod Walker of NOLA. The third-year senior was carted off the court Friday night after colliding with a teammate Zion Williamson. An MRI showed that it was a bruised bonesand a coach Jamal Mosley expressed relief to his team in Saturday’s film session, according to Walker.
Missy is coming off a strong preseason and an opening night performance against Indiana where he had 13 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in 30 minutes. Mosley touted him as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
“I thought Yves was incredible” Mosley said after Wednesday’s game. “Absolutely unbelievable. Everything we talked about him being and doing was exactly what he showed. The ability to protect the rim, the ability to get out in transition. In the pick and roll, the ability to cover others as a low man. He did a lot of really good things for us tonight. His energy and his effort is exactly what we’re going to need from him every night.”
The Pelicans did not specify how much time Missy is expected to miss, and Mosley said he will take a “by committee” approach until he returns. The team’s three other centers Derrick Quinn, Karla Matkovich and DeAndre Jordan.
“We have a talented lineup. It’s even more talented when it’s tied together.” added Mosley. “Because guys are going to have to step up and step up in big moments. Little pieces of everybody being able to give a little bit more than they gave the night before. On any given night, anybody can call a number.”
There are more from the Southwest Division:
- Walter Clayton is already on his third team as he enters his second NBA season, and one he’s excited to be a part of Mavericks‘ recovery efforts, relay Grant Offset of Dallas Hoops Magazine. Clayton signed two-way deal on Wednesday after Memphis opted out of it, choosing Dallas over several interested teams. “Obviously we’ve got some younger guys and then we’ve got some very senior guys that we can learn from and have been at it for a while.” he said. “So I think it’s just a good group, a good core. I think we can make it something special.”
- The Rockets believe in their offseason additions and comebacks Fred VanVleet and Stephen Adams from injuries give them a chance to compete with the top teams in the West, trans Kelly Icko of Yahoo Sports. coach Made by Udok decided to play at a faster pace in the offseason, and the team now has a more versatile lineup than before. “We have so many different weapons and builds this year, so it gives everyone more stuff and options.” VanVleet said. “We’ve been a huge possession team the last couple of years, and we thought the fast game could create more advantages, especially early in the season. Our defense leads to an easy offense, so it just makes for easier baskets.”
- The Spurs looking for answers after a surprise 0-2 start, adds Iko in a a separate story. A new starting line-up of three defenders De’Aaron Fox, Castle Stefan and Dylan Harper continued to struggle in Friday’s loss to Houston, posting a minus-11 in the 11 minutes they played together. Iko states that the offense remains too dependent on Victor Wembanyamawho struggled to shoot in the first two games and didn’t make enough 3-pointers from outside Devin Vassell and Julian Champagne.
