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Player DetailKarlo Matkovic
Karlo Matkovic Injury News & Updates
Dec 5, 2025
Returns with eight points
Matkovic (calf) tallied eight points (4-5 FG), six rebounds, one assist and one block across 18 minutes off the bench in Thursday's 125-116 loss to the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic made his return after missing New Orleans' previous eight games while recovering from a calf strain. He immediately reclaimed a spot in the Pelicans' frontcourt rotation and could have a chance at seeing his minutes pick up in future contests with Zion Williamson (adductor) out for at least three weeks and with Herbert Jones (calf) remaining without a clear target date for a return.
Dec 4, 2025
Available to play
Matkovic (calf) will be available to play Thursday against the Timberwolves, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will shake off a questionable tag and will make his first appearance since Nov. 17. With Zion Williamson (adductor) out several weeks and Yves Missi (foot, ankle) sidelined, Matkovic could get right back into the rotation Thursday.
Dec 3, 2025
Termed questionable
Matkovic (calf) is questionable for Thursday's game against Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic has missed eight consecutive games, so Thursday's questionable tag is a positive development in his recovery from a strained right calf. Even if he's unavailable Thursday, it looks like he's getting close to returning. Before sustaining the injury, Matkovic appeared in 12 games, averaging 4.9 points and 2.8 rebounds across 11.4 minutes.
Dec 1, 2025
Ruled out for Tuesday
Matkovic (calf) won't suit up for Tuesday's game versus the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
Tuesday will be the eighth consecutive game on the inactive list for Matkovic, and the Timberwolves haven't discussed him making any progress in his recovery, so he should be considered week-to-week moving forward. Matkovic belongs on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues.
Nov 30, 2025
Won't play Sunday
Matkovic (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lakers.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will miss his seventh consecutive contest due to a right calf strain, and there remains no clear timetable for his return to game action. His next opportunity to suit up will come Tuesday against the Timberwolves.
Nov 28, 2025
Out vs. Golden State
Matkovic (calf) is out for Saturday's game at Golden State.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is working his way back to full fitness after a calf injury, but he doesn't seem ready to return yet. His next chance to play will come against the Lakers on Sunday in the second leg of a back-to-back set.
Nov 25, 2025
Remaining out vs. Memphis
Matkovic (calf) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will miss his fifth consecutive contest due to a right calf strain, and his next opportunity to play will come Saturday against the Warriors. With the big man remaining on the shelf, Saddiq Bey, Derik Queen and Yves Missi are candidates for a slight bump in minutes.
Nov 23, 2025
Won't suit up Monday
Matkovic (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Bulls.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will miss his fourth consecutive contest due to a right calf strain. His next opportunity to play will come Wednesday against the Grizzlies. With the 24-year-old sidelined, Derik Queen, Saddiq Bey and Yves Missi are candidates to see a bump in minutes.
Nov 22, 2025
Won't play Saturday
Matkovic (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is slated to miss a third straight game. However, his absence hasn't impacted the rotation, with Derik Queen and Yves Missi already handling most of the center minutes.
Nov 20, 2025
Listed out for Friday
Matkovic (calf) is out for Friday's game against the Mavericks, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will be sidelined for a second straight game Friday. It remains to be seen if he will be available for Saturday's game against the Hawks. With Derik Queen and Yves Missi moving ahead of him on the depth chart, minutes may be hard to come by for Matkovic.
Nov 18, 2025
Ruled out for Wednesday
Matkovic (calf) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will miss his first game since Oct. 24 due to a right calf strain, and his next opportunity to suit up will come Friday against Dallas. With the 24-year-old big man on the shelf, Derik Queen, Micah Peavy and Yves Missi are candidates for increased playing time, especially if Zion Williamson (hamstring) or Saddiq Bey (ankle) are downgraded from questionable to out.
Nov 17, 2025
Tacks two steals in loss
Matkovic closed with four points (2-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and two steals over 20 minutes during Sunday's 124-106 loss to Golden State.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic set a season-high in minutes Sunday, which was primarily due to the blowout nature of the game, but he was not able to take advantage. With Zion Williamson (hamstring) also slated to return in the coming days, Matkovic's role could reduce significantly soon.
Nov 5, 2025
Plays well off bench
Matkovic registered 13 points (6-7 FG, 1-4 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one block in 15 minutes during Tuesday's 116-112 win over the Hornets.
ANALYSIS
Yves Missi (illness) missed this contest, and the Pelicans are going to be without Zion Williamson (hamstring) for at least a week. Matkovic and Derik Queen both provided a huge lift off the bench, while DeAndre Jordan never saw the floor. Matkovic will be a player to monitor if his minutes trend up.
Oct 28, 2025
Gets garbage-time run Monday
Matkovic (back) played the final 3:16 of Monday's 122-90 loss to the Celtics, going scoreless (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and producing no other statistics.
ANALYSIS
A back injury kept Matkovic sidelined for the first two contests of the season, but after practicing fully Sunday, he was given the green light to suit up Monday. He made his season debut in garbage time of the blowout, with all of Yves Missi, Herbert Jones, Derik Queen and DeAndre Jordan working ahead of him in the Pelicans' big-man rotation. Matkovic's path to playing time won't get any clearer once Zion Williamson (foot) and Kevon Looney (knee) return to action.
Oct 27, 2025
Cleared to play
Matkovic (back) has been cleared to play in Monday's game against Boston, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is all set to make his season debut Monday. With several injuries in the frontcourt, Matkovic does have a decent opportunity to carve out a role for himself.
Oct 26, 2025
Questionable to face Boston
Matkovic (back) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Boston.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic has yet to debut this season due to spasms in his lower back, though he was a full participant in Sunday's practice. If the big man is unable to suit up against Boston, Derik Queen and DeAndre Jordan are candidates for a bump in minutes.
Oct 26, 2025
Logs full practice Sunday
Matkovic (back) was a full practice participant Sunday, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic has yet to appear this season while managing back spasms but seems to be trending toward a return after logging a full practice. The big man averaged 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 blocks in 18.8 minutes across 42 regular-season games last year, though his role could shrink with Derik Queen, DeAndre Jordan and Yves Missi (ankle) all in the frontcourt mix.
Oct 24, 2025
Sitting out Friday
Matkovic (back) won't play in Friday's game against San Antonio.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will join Yves Missi (ankle) and Kevon Looney (knee) as a spectator in New Orleans' banged-up frontcourt. Matkovic will be trying to make his first appearance of the season Monday against the Celtics.
Oct 23, 2025
Questionable vs. Spurs
Matkovic (back) is questionable for Friday's game against San Antonio.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is looking to make his season debut, but he'll need to overcome back spasms. With Yves Missi (ankle) questionable, Derik Queen would be a candidate for more playing time if Matkovic is out.
Oct 22, 2025
Won't play Wednesday
Matkovic (elbow) will not play Wednesday against the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
No surprise here, as Matkovic was previously listed as doubtful. Derick Queen (wrist) has the green light to play and could log some minutes behind Yves Missi with Kevon Looney (knee) sidelined.
Oct 21, 2025
Doubtful for Wednesday
Matkovic (elbow) is doubtful to play in the season opener against the Grizzlies.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is trending toward not playing in the first game of the 2025-26 campaign, as he continues to deal with right elbow soreness. New Orleans will lean heavily on Yves Missi and Derik Queen (wrist) in the frontcourt, along with Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey.
Oct 20, 2025
Still not practicing
Matkovic (elbow) did not practice Saturday, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official sitereports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic has been battling right elbow soreness for nearly a week, putting his status for Opening Night on Oct. 22 in jeopardy. The Pelicans are thin at the center spot due to injuries, so if Matkovic isn't given the green light, the team could utilize smaller lineups.
Oct 16, 2025
Fails to appear Thursday
Matkovic (elbow) didn't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Magic.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic suffered an elbow injury Tuesday, and the team felt no need to rush him back for an exhibition. His next opportunity to suit up will be Wednesday in Memphis for the 2025-26 regular-season opener.
Oct 14, 2025
Doesn't return Tuesday
Matkovic (elbow) didn't return to Tuesday's 130-128 preseason loss to the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic exited the game in the second quarter and didn't return due to right elbow soreness. The big man finished with three points (1-2 FG, 1-1 3Pt), two rebounds and one assist across nine minutes. His next opportunity to suit up will come in Thursday's preseason finale against the Magic.
Oct 14, 2025
Dealing with elbow soreness
Matkovic didn't return from the locker room after halftime of Tuesday's preseason game against the Rockets due to right elbow soreness, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic returned to the bench after spending the entire third quarter in the locker room. He was seen with an ice pack on his elbow. If the 24-year-old big man is unable to return, he'll finish with three points (1-2 FG, 1-1 3Pt), two rebounds and one assist across nine minutes.
Oct 3, 2025
Sees 16 minutes in win
Matkovic recorded six points (3-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in 16 minutes of Friday's 107-97 preseason win over Melbourne United.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic battled a hamstring issue towards the end of the 2024-25 regular season, but he has no injuries to report this time around. The Pelicans are healthier and much deeper in 2025-26, so Matkovic will need a strong preseason to bolster his case for a rotation spot. During the 2024-25 regular season, the forward averaged 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 blocks in 18.8 minutes per game across 42 outings (seven starts).
Apr 12, 2025
Won't play against OKC
Matkovic (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will miss Sunday's regular-season finale due to left hamstring soreness, and with the Pelicans dealing with a plethora of injuries, Kylor Kelley and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should see a good chunk of playing time against the Thunder. With New Orleans eliminated from playoff contention, Matkovic will end the regular season averaging 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 blocks in 18.8 minutes per game across 42 outings (seven starts).
Apr 11, 2025
Not playing Friday
Matkovic (hamstring) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Heat.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is working through a left hamstring injury, which is severe enough for him to be held out of Friday's contest. With Matkovic, Yves Missi (ankle) and Kelly Olynyk (Achilles) all out, Kylor Kelley and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl figure to see a large uptick in playing time in the Pelican's penultimate game of the regular season.
Apr 11, 2025
Iffy for Friday
Matkovic is questionable for Friday's game against the Heat with left hamstring soreness.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic logged 30 minutes against the Bucks on Thursday, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds and one steal. He could be held out for injury maintenance Friday, however. If Matkovic is unable to go, there would be more minutes available for Kylor Kelley and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
Apr 10, 2025
Starting sans Missi
Matkovic will start in Thursday's game against Milwaukee.
ANALYSIS
The big man will get the starting nod Thursday due to Yves Missi (ankle) being sidelined. Over his last 10 outings (one start), Matkovic has averaged 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists across 20.2 minutes per game.
Apr 8, 2025
Efficient 17 points with full line
Matkovic notched 17 points (8-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal in 26 minutes during Tuesday's 119-114 loss to the Nets.
ANALYSIS
On top of filling the box score, Matkovic co-led the Pelicans in scoring alongside Antonio Reeves on Tuesday. The 2022 second-rounder has averaged 13.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.7 steals while shooting 62.5 percent from the field in 21.3 minutes across his last seven contests. Matkovic has notched double-digit points in each of these appearances.
Apr 7, 2025
Productive in 18 minutes
Matkovic recorded 11 points (5-11 FG, 1-5 3Pt), five rebounds, one assist and two blocks over 18 minutes during Sunday's 111-107 loss to Milwaukee.
ANALYSIS
Although his workloads have been modest, Matkovic has led the Pelicans in nine-category fantasy value over his last six appearances. In that stretch, Matkovic produced sixth-round value in 20.5 minutes with 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 blocks, 0.7 steals and 0.8 three-pointers on 60.4 percent shooting from the field.
Mar 25, 2025
Leading scorer from second unit
Matkovic finished with 19 points (7-11 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and one block in 22 minutes off the bench during Monday's 112-99 victory over the 76ers.
ANALYSIS
The rookie center led the Pelicans in scoring on the night in an efficient performance. Matkovic tied his season highs in points and threes in the process, but his workload and production remain inconsistent -- he'd scored in single digits in four straight games prior to Monday.
Mar 24, 2025
Moving to bench Monday
Matkovic is not part of the starting lineup for Monday's game against the 76ers.
ANALYSIS
The Pelicans will give Keion Brooks an opportunity in the starting five Monday, sending Matkovic into a reserve role. Matkovic has averaged 8.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 20.9 minutes across his last nine games off the bench.
Mar 23, 2025
Top rebounder in starting lineup
Matkovic contributed eight points (4-7 FG) and 11 rebounds across 16 minutes before fouling out of Sunday's 136-130 loss to the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic earned the starting nod Sunday with Zion Williamson (back) inactive, leading all Pelicans in rebounds while finishing two points shy of a double-double in just 16 minutes. Matkovic tied a season high in rebounds, a mark he has tallied on three other occasions. He has recorded at least eight points and 10 boards in four outings.
Mar 23, 2025
Starting sans Williamson
Matkovic will start in Sunday's game against the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
The big man will enter the starting five due to Zion Williamson (back) being sidelined. Matkovic has made five starts this season, averaging 11.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 assists across 30.2 minutes per game.
Mar 17, 2025
Sliding to second unit Monday
Matkovic won't start in Monday's game against the Pistons.
ANALYSIS
The 23-year-old center will slide to the bench due to Yves Missi returning to game action. Matkovic has started in two of the club's last five outings, and he has averaged 11.8 points and 7.8 rebounds across 24.4 minutes per contest in that five-game span.
Mar 14, 2025
Two blocks in Thursday's start
Matkovic accumulated eight points (4-8 FG), six rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 26 minutes during Thursday's 113-93 loss to the Magic.
ANALYSIS
With Yves Missi (ankle) and Kelly Olynyk (personal) both unavailable, Matkovic made his first start since Feb. 27 but didn't see a significant increase in his court time. The rookie center has averaged 22.0 minutes through seven games in March while producing 9.1 points, 6.1 boards, 1.6 assists and 1.4 blocks, and while there's no clear picture on when either of his teammates will be back in the lineup, it doesn't seem as though Matkovic will get a big boost in his fantasy value while they remain out.
Mar 13, 2025
Starting sans Missi
Matkovic will enter the starting lineup in Thursday's game against Orlando.
ANALYSIS
The 23-year-old big man will get the starting nod due to Yves Missi (ankle) being sidelined. Matkovic has made three starts this season, during which he has averaged 11.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 assists across 32.7 minutes per game.
Mar 12, 2025
Scores 15 points in win
Matkovic recorded 15 points (6-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist and two blocks over 20 minutes during Tuesday's 127-120 victory over the Clippers.
ANALYSIS
Kelly Olynyk rested Tuesday, allowing Matkovic to see extended run off the bench. Mo Bamba, who just signed a 10-day contract with the team, didn't have much success as he finished scoreless in 15 minutes with seven boards. Matkovic is gaining some steam in fantasy leagues, posting averages of 11.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.3 blocks and 0.8 three-pointers in 22.8 minutes per game over his last four contests.
Mar 10, 2025
Solid output off bench
Matkovic produced 13 points (5-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal over 26 minutes during Sunday's 107-104 loss to Memphis.
ANALYSIS
Yves Missi continues to start at center for the Pelicans, but Matkovic continues to make a strong case to see more minutes on a steady basis. He was a non-factor in the rotation in the first three months of the campaign, but he's been playing a bigger role since the beginning of February. This has resulted in him scoring in double digits in six of his last 16 contests despite starting just three times over that stretch. Until Matkovic can establish himself as the Pelicans' go-to option at center, however, his upside will be fairly low and almost exclusively limited to deep formats where he can be a streaming option in the frontcourt.
Mar 7, 2025
Plays 21 minutes off bench
Matkovic logged six points (2-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-4 FT), six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal over 21 minutes during Thursday's 109-97 loss to the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
Despite a sizable role with the second unit, Matkovic's fantasy appeal has been limited to deeper formats. Over his last four outings, Matkovic hit 30.8 percent from the field to go with averages of 4.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks in 20.2 minutes per game.
Feb 28, 2025
Returning to bench
Matkovic is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Suns.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will return to the bench after starting in Thursday's win over Phoenix, where he posted 17 points (7-13 FG, 3-7 3Pt), 10 rebounds and one assist in 36 minutes. Kelly Olynyk will start in his place Friday.
Feb 28, 2025
Double-doubles in spot start
Matkovic totaled 17 points (7-13 FG, 3-7 3Pt), 10 rebounds and one assist in 36 minutes during Thursday's 124-116 win over the Suns.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic stepped into a starting role Thursday due to the absence of Kelly Olynyk (rest) and thrived en route to his first double-double of the campaign. Even though Matkovic's upside is limited due to the nature of his bench role, he's been putting up solid numbers of late. He's scored in double digits in three of his last five appearances while averaging 9.5 points and 6.0 boards per contest since the beginning of February.
Feb 27, 2025
Starting sans Olynyk
Matkovic will enter the starting lineup in Thursday's game against the Suns.
ANALYSIS
The big man will receive the starting nod with Kelly Olynyk (rest) on the shelf. Over his last 10 outings (two starts), Matkovic has averaged 8.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 assists across 22.4 minutes per contest.
Feb 24, 2025
Career-best scoring effort
Matkovic registered 19 points (8-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one block across 21 minutes during Sunday's 114-96 victory over the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
The 19 points were a career high for the 2024 second-round pick, as Matkovic continues to see his role in the Pelican's frontcourt grow. He's played more than 20 minutes in six of eight February contests (two starts), averaging 8.8 points, 6.0 boards, 1.8 blocks, 1.4 steals, 0.6 threes and 0.5 steals in 23.5 minutes on the month. Even with Kelly Olynyk moving into the starting five alongside Yves Missi coming out of the All-Star break, New Orleans seems committed to getting Matkovic consistent court time.
Feb 14, 2025
Season highs in win
Matkovic ended with 13 points (5-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals across 27 minutes during Thursday's 140-133 overtime victory over the Kings.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic stuffed the stat sheet while recording a season-high 13 points in the win. Moreover, the 23-year-old also tied his season highs in both blocks and steals. Over his last five outings (two starts), Matkovic has averaged 7.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks across 23.8 minutes per contest.
Feb 12, 2025
Goes to bench Wednesday
Matkovic is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Kings.
ANALYSIS
Zion Williamson is available for Pelicans on Wednesday, pushing Matkovic to the bench. Matkovic has averaged 2.8 rebounds, 2.2 points, 0.8 blocks and 0.5 steals in 10.3 minutes over 13 games off the bench this season.
Feb 10, 2025
Running with first unit
Matkovic is starting Monday's game against the Thunder.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will join the starting lineup Monday due to the absence of CJ McCollum (personal). Matkovic's last start came Wednesday against the Nuggets, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks over 30 minutes.
Feb 8, 2025
Back to bench
Matkovic won't start Saturday's game against the Kings, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic made his first career start against Denver on Wednesday and posted 10 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 30 minutes during a 144-119 loss. The Pelicans are rolling with a smaller lineup Saturday, swapping Matkovic for Jose Alvarado.
Feb 8, 2025
Good to go against Sacramento
Matkovic (illness) is available for Saturday's game versus the Kings.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic has been upgraded from questionable to available Saturday despite dealing with an illness. Matkovic is averaging 4.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 16.8 minutes across his previous five appearances.
Feb 8, 2025
Iffy for Saturday
Matkovic is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Kings due to a non-COVID illness.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic was inserted into the starting lineup in New Orleans' most recent outing but could be forced to sit out Saturday. If Matkovic is ultimately downgraded to out against Sacramento, Javonte Green and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl are candidates to receive increased playing time.
Feb 6, 2025
Nears double-double in spot start
Matkovic closed with 10 points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 144-119 loss to the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
The Pelicans pivoted from Javonte Green and experimented with Matkoivc, who made his first career start in the NBA. Although Brandon Ingram had logged several absences before being traded away, his departure will force New Orleans to scour their lineup and investigate other starting combinations prior to the arrival of Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk.
Feb 5, 2025
Making first-career start
Matkovic is part of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will make his first NBA start, supplanting Javonte Green in the first unit against Denver. Matkovic logged five points, 11 rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes against the Nuggets on Monday.
Feb 4, 2025
Fares well in loss
Matkovic finished Monday's 125-113 loss to the Nuggets with five points (1-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists and one block in 27 minutes.
ANALYSIS
The Pelicans were without Daniel Theis for a second consecutive game, allowing Matkovic to play an extended role off the bench. He set career-high marks in rebounds (11) and assists (4), and his strong play could give the coaching staff something to think about going forward.
Jan 31, 2025
Returns to parent club
The Pelicans recalled Matkovic from the G League's Birmingham Squadron on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will return to the NBA after a brief stint in the G League. The 23-year-old big man is averaging 1.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 7.3 minutes across his 10 appearances for the Pelicans this season.
Jan 28, 2025
Headed to G League
The Pelicans assigned Matkovic to the G League's Birmingham Squadron on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is averaging 1.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 6.8 minutes across his last five NBA appearances. However, the 23-year-old big man should continue to receive increased playing time while in the G League.
Jan 9, 2025
Plays garbage time in loss
Matkovic (back) recorded four points (2-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist and one steal while playing the final 6:01 of Wednesday's 119-100 loss to the Trail Blazers.
ANALYSIS
The rookie big man hadn't appeared in a game since Dec. 4 due to a low back disc protrusion, but after getting cleared to play early in the week, he saw action at the tail end of Wednesday's blowout loss, when most of the Pelicans' key players had checked out of the contest for good. Matkovic will likely continue to see most of his playing time in end-of-game scenarios while he remains with the Pelicans, though he could be assigned to the G League's Birmingham Squadron in the near future to get some more extensive minutes.
Jan 7, 2025
Available for Tuesday
Matkovic (back) is available for Tuesday's game against Minnesota.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will be available for the first time since Dec. 4. He wasn't a consistent rotation player before his injury, however, and he's not guaranteed any minutes Tuesday.
Jan 7, 2025
Questionable for Tuesday
Matkovic (back) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic hasn't played since Dec. 4 and just recently progressed to the return-to-competition conditioning phase of his rehab program. If he does get the green light for Tuesday, he won't be guaranteed a rotation spot.
Dec 31, 2024
Remains out
Matkovic (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Heat, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic, who hasn't played since Dec. 4 due to low back disc protrusion, progressed to the return-to-competition conditioning phase of his rehab program before Christmas but remains week-to-week. Even when available, it's unlikely Matkovic has a role with the NBA squad and will likely return to action in the G League.
Dec 24, 2024
Considered week-to-week
Matkovic (back) will be week-to-week going forward, the Pelicans announced Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic has progressed to the return to play conditioning phase of his rehabilitation program, but he will miss another week of action. He's missed the past nine games for the Pelicans, but he could have a larger role in the near future with the franchise possibly looking to be sellers at the deadline.
Dec 22, 2024
Ruled out Sunday
Matkovic (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nuggets.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic's absence streak will extend to nine outings while he deals with a lower back disc protrusion. The 23-year-old's next opportunity to feature will come Thursday against Houston.
Dec 20, 2024
Remains out for Saturday
Matkovic (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Knicks.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will remain sidelined while he deals with a lower back disc protrusion, and he hasn't appeared in an NBA game since Dec. 1. The 23-year-old's next chance to feature will come Sunday against the Nuggets.
Dec 19, 2024
Still sidelined
Matkovic (back) won't play in Thursday's game against the Rockets.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic has been dealing with a low back disc protrusion and hasn't appeared in a game since Dec. 4 at either the NBA or G League level. He remains without a timetable for return.
Dec 14, 2024
Won't play Sunday
Matkovic (back) is out for Sunday's game versus the Pacers.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic hasn't played since Dec. 1, so his continued absence won't affect New Orleans' rotation. Matkovic's next chance to suit up is Thursday's matchup with Houston.
Dec 11, 2024
Ruled out for Thursday
Matkovic (back) will not play Thursday versus Sacramento.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic has logged just five appearances and 39 total minutes of action for New Orleans this season. Despite injury woes and a lack of frontcourt depth for the Pelicans, the Croatian has been unable to carve out a role.
Dec 8, 2024
Won't play Sunday
Matkovic (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Spurs.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic will miss both halves of the Pelicans' weekend back-to-back set due to lower back soreness. However, his absence shouldn't impact New Orleans' rotation.
Dec 7, 2024
Won't play Saturday vs. OKC
Matkovic (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Thunder, Erin Summers of the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is dealing with lower back soreness, and he will be held out of Saturday's game as a result. He could return for Sunday's game against the Spurs, though the 23-year-old forward hasn't seen much playing time off the bench even when he is available to play.
Dec 6, 2024
Questionable for Saturday
Matkovic is questionable for Saturday's game against the Thunder due to low back soreness.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic was recalled from the G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, on Thursday. His availability for Saturday's game is in question, but even if he's able to play, he's not expected to see significant minutes at the NBA level.
Dec 5, 2024
Returns to parent club
The Pelicans recalled Matkovic from the G League's Birmingham Squadron on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is unlikely to receive significant playing time for the Pelicans while with the NBA club. The 23-year-old forward is averaging 0.8 points and 2.0 rebounds in 7.8 minutes across five appearances with New Orleans this season.
Dec 1, 2024
Recalled by NOLA
The Pelicans recalled Matkovic from the G League's Birmingham Squadrons on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic is coming off a dominant double-double performance against the Memphis Hustle on Saturday, finishing with 29 points, 11 rebounds and six assists over 32 minutes. Across eight outings in the G League, he's averaged 18.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 blocks over 30.3 minutes per game. Matkovic last played for the Pelicans on Nov. 20 against the Cavaliers, and he finished that contest with two points, five rebounds, two steals and one block over 18 minutes.
Nov 18, 2024
Recalled to NBA
The Pelicans recalled Matkovic from the G League's Birmingham Squadron on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic made four appearances with the Squadron, averaging 17.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 27.4 minutes per game. On Sunday, he posted 24 points (8-12 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, two blocks and an assist in 27 minutes during a blowout win over the G League's Oklahoma City Blue.
Oct 31, 2024
Back with NBA club
Matkovic was recalled from the Birmingham Squadron on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
The Pelicans are dealing with a variety of injuries early on in the season, so the team has elected to add depth in the form of Matkovic and Antonio Reeves. Matkovic has seen limited playing time so far this year for New Orleans, logging five minutes in two appearances.
Sep 30, 2024
Cleared to play
Pelicans vice president of basketball operations said Monday that Matkovic (groin) is ready to go for training camp this week, Erin Summers of Bally Sports New Orleans reports.
ANALYSIS
Matkovic sat out of the Summer League finale due to some mild groin soreness, but he's not expected to have any limitations during camp. A draft-and-stash player from the 2022 NBA Draft, Matkovic has an opportunity to earn a rotation spot due to the lack of frontcourt depth for the Pelicans.
Jul 20, 2024
Sitting out SL finale
Matkovic won't play in Saturday's Summer League game against the Nuggets due to left groin soreness, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
A draft-and-stash player from the 2022 NBA Draft, Matkovic joined the Pelicans' G League affiliate late in the 2023-24 season and has been part of the team's Summer League roster in Las Vegas. With the Pelicans a bit thin in the frontcourt, Matkovic could see occasional playing time during the upcoming season. His groin injury shouldn't impact his availability for training camp.
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