Pelicans' Buddy Hield: Disappoints in second straight start

Hield started at shooting guard and turned in six points (2-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt), four rebounds and two assists across 34 minutes in Thursday's 99-88 loss to the 76ers.

Analysis:

With the Pelicans' two regular starters in the backcourt, Jrue Holiday and E'Twaun Moore, both missing their second straight contest, Hield was able to make another spot start, but failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The rookie is shooting just 35.9 percent on the season and 27.7 percent from three-point range over his 23 appearances, as the transition to the pro game has been far more difficult for the former Oklahoma standout than anticipated. Hield figures to benefit from ample court time so long as at least one of those aforementioned players sit out, but his already limited fantasy value will dry up when both are healthy, as he'll be only a bit member of coach Alvin Gentry's rotation.