Week 16 in NBA fantasy is crucial as it sits right before the All-Star Break, with many leagues counting the first four days of this week alongside the last four of the following week for scoring. Teams are gearing up for the fantasy playoffs that are just weeks away, which makes aggressive moves on the waiver wire more important than ever. Key additions for standard leagues this week include Isaiah Collier, Buddy Hield, and Matas Buzelis, all of whom have been seeing significant playing time and production lately.

Collier, now the starting point guard for the Utah Jazz, is averaging over 9 assists per game and is poised to keep racking up numbers. Hield has solidified his role in Golden State with consistent minutes and sharpshooting, while Buzelis is making waves as a rookie in Chicago, stepping into a starting role that offers him ample opportunity to showcase his scoring ability. Other valuable players to consider this week are Max Christie and Yves Missi, who provide different strengths that could benefit fantasy squads.

The NBA's 2024-25 rookie class continues to impress, with players like Kel'el Ware of the Miami Heat leading the charge. Ware has stepped up significantly in Jimmy Butler's absence, averaging 14.4 points and 8.8 rebounds over his last ten games, making him a must-roster in fantasy leagues. Other notable rookies include Alex Sarr from the Washington Wizards, whose early season success has slowed down, and Isaiah Collier of the Utah Jazz, who has elevated his game since moving into the starting lineup.

Fantasy managers should also keep an eye on Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans and Zach Edey from the Memphis Grizzlies, both of whom are battling injuries but show potential for recovery. For those in need of streaming options, players like Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers and Jaylen Wells from the Memphis Grizzlies are emerging as viable picks. Meanwhile, rookies like Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs and Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers are still finding their footing and should be monitored closely.

CJ McCollum scored an impressive 45 points, leading the New Orleans Pelicans to a thrilling 123-119 overtime victory against the Utah Jazz, marking the largest comeback in franchise history from a 25-point deficit. Despite struggling with injuries, the Pelicans proved their resilience, with coach Willie Green praising the team's camaraderie.

Zion Williamson and Herb Jones were sidelined, but McCollum's stellar performance, complemented by Dejounte Murray's near triple-double and strong contributions from Trey Murphy III, propelled the team to their fourth consecutive win.

CJ McCollum shone brightly for the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring an impressive 45 points, including six crucial ones in overtime, to lead his team to a remarkable 123-119 victory over the Utah Jazz. This win marked the largest comeback in Pelicans' history, overcoming a formidable 25-point deficit. Despite missing key players Zion Williamson and Yves Missi due to non-COVID illnesses, the Pelicans showcased their resilience with a strong performance throughout the second half.

Dejounte Murray contributed 26 points and 11 assists, while Trey Murphy III added 24 points. In a game where Utah initially dominated, leading by as much as 22 points, the Pelicans executed a stunning 24-3 run to finally take the lead. Utah managed to hold the lead briefly again, but McCollum's clutch shooting late in the game forced overtime. Ultimately, Murphy's decisive three-pointer solidified the Pelicans' victory as they continue their push for a playoff spot.

In an injury-plagued matchup, the Dallas Mavericks face the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 7 p.m. CST. The Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II, making their defensive performance crucial. On the other side, the Pelicans are missing Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Herb Jones, forcing them to rely on their remaining talent.

New Orleans will start Dejounte Murray at point guard, who has contributed significantly since returning from a hand injury. CJ McCollum complements him in the backcourt, while Trey Murphy III and Javonte Green fill in for the injured forwards. Rookie Yves Missi will start at center, showcasing his potential in a challenging season for the Pelicans.