Jeremiah Fears Starting Friday vs. Raptors for Pelicans

Jeremiah Fears Set to Start for Pelicans on Friday Against the Raptors

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears is stepping into the spotlight once again. With two of the team's key players sidelined by injury, Fears has been named the starting point guard for Friday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors on March 27, 2026. The announcement, reported by CBS Sports and confirmed by Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca, has put the first-round rookie back in the national conversation at a critical point in the NBA season.

This is not just another injury fill-in situation. For Fears, this is an opportunity to prove that his earlier starts this season were not a fluke — and that his development as a young NBA point guard is right on track.

Why Jeremiah Fears Is Starting: The Injury Report

The Pelicans are dealing with significant backcourt depth issues heading into Friday's game. Dejounte Murray is out with an Achilles injury, one of the most serious soft-tissue injuries in basketball, while Trey Murphy is sidelined with an ankle injury. Both absences create a void in New Orleans' starting lineup that the coaching staff has opted to fill with their promising rookie.

Achilles injuries, in particular, tend to keep players out for extended stretches, meaning the Pelicans may need to lean on Fears not just for one game but potentially for several more down the road. For a team trying to close the season on a strong note, Fears' ability to perform in this elevated role will be a major storyline to watch.

Fears' Last Start and What to Expect on Friday

Friday's start will be Fears' first since January 21, 2026 — a gap of over two months. Returning to the starting lineup after spending time coming off the bench requires a mental and physical adjustment, but the rookie has shown throughout the season that he's capable of rising to the moment.

As a starter this season across 44 games, Fears has posted impressive numbers for a first-year player:

• 13.8 points per game
• 3.8 rebounds per game
• 3.2 assists per game
• 1.2 steals per game
• 26.5 minutes per game

Those are not just respectable rookie numbers — they are the kind of averages that suggest a player already capable of contributing meaningfully at the NBA level. With extended minutes expected on Friday, fantasy basketball managers and casual fans alike will be watching closely to see if he can match or exceed those benchmarks.

Highlights From Fears' Rookie Season So Far

Jeremiah Fears has had several standout moments in his debut NBA season that underscore his upside as a franchise piece for New Orleans. Earlier this year, he scored 20 points against the Sacramento Kings, showcasing his ability to go off on any given night. He also notched 17 points in a key Pelicans win, and at one point hit a new career scoring high on a Sunday, electrifying fans and scouts who have been monitoring his progress since draft night.

What makes these performances more than just box score entries is the context: Fears is doing this as a first-round rookie, learning on the fly against veterans who have years of experience. That he is not just surviving but thriving in spots speaks to his basketball IQ and competitive drive.

The Pelicans selected Fears knowing they were drafting a player with a high ceiling, and the early returns suggest they may have found a cornerstone guard. As analysts at MSN Sports have noted, his shooting improvement this season is a particularly encouraging sign for the franchise's long-term outlook.

Fears' Shooting Development: A Key Indicator of His Potential

One of the most important developmental milestones for any young NBA guard is becoming a reliable shooter — and Fears appears to be making meaningful strides in that department. Jeremiah Fears' shooting improvement is being called an excellent sign for the Pelicans, and it's easy to see why.

For a point guard in today's NBA, the ability to shoot off the dribble and from the perimeter is non-negotiable. Defenses that cannot respect a guard's jumper will sag off, clog the paint, and neutralize even the most athletic players. If Fears continues to develop as a credible shooting threat, his already-solid scoring and playmaking numbers could improve dramatically in his sophomore season and beyond.

The trajectory here is what matters most. Young players who show shooting improvement during their rookie years — not just raw talent — tend to become reliable contributors as they gain experience and refine their mechanics. The Pelicans' coaching staff clearly sees this potential, and Friday's start is another vote of confidence in the direction his game is trending.

What This Means for Pelicans Fans and Fantasy Basketball

For New Orleans fans, Fears' emergence is a silver lining in what has been a challenging season marked by injuries. While the losses of Murray and Murphy are significant, watching a rookie step up and compete at a high level offers genuine hope for the franchise's future. The Pelicans are in a rebuild and transition phase, and identifying which young players can anchor the next era is crucial work happening right now.

For fantasy basketball players, Fears is a must-add or must-start depending on your roster configuration. His per-game averages as a starter — nearly 14 points, over three assists, and more than a steal per game — make him a viable asset across multiple scoring categories. With Murray and Murphy both dealing with injuries of uncertain timelines, Fears could hold starting value for multiple weeks.

If you have Jeremiah Fears on your fantasy roster or on your waiver wire, Friday's game is a green-light start. The volume, the opportunity, and the recent track record all point in his favor.

Check the latest injury updates and confirmed lineups via CBS Sports before locking in your fantasy lineup for Friday's slate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah Fears

Why is Jeremiah Fears starting on Friday, March 27?

Fears is starting because Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and Trey Murphy (ankle) are both injured and unavailable for the Pelicans' game against the Toronto Raptors. The team has turned to their rookie first-round pick to fill the starting role.

When was Jeremiah Fears' last start before this one?

Fears' most recent start before March 27 was on January 21, 2026. Friday's game marks his return to the starting lineup after a gap of more than two months.

What are Jeremiah Fears' stats as a starter this season?

In 44 starts this season, Fears has averaged 13.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 26.5 minutes per game — solid production for a rookie in his first NBA campaign.

Is Jeremiah Fears a good fantasy basketball pickup?

Yes. With Murray and Murphy out, Fears is expected to receive significant minutes and shots in the starting lineup. His averages as a starter make him a strong streaming option, particularly in points, steals, and assists categories. Add him if he's available.

What is Jeremiah Fears' NBA draft status?

Fears is a first-round rookie pick for the New Orleans Pelicans. He was selected in the 2025 NBA Draft and has been developing throughout his debut season, with his shooting improvement drawing particular attention from analysts tracking his progress.

Conclusion: A Rookie Moment Worth Watching

Jeremiah Fears' start against the Toronto Raptors on Friday is more than an injury replacement storyline. It is the latest chapter in what has been a quietly impressive rookie season for one of the Pelicans' most promising young players. His numbers as a starter speak for themselves, his shooting is trending in the right direction, and now he gets another chance to prove himself on a Friday night NBA stage.

Whether you're a Pelicans fan looking for reasons for optimism, a fantasy manager deciding on lineup decisions, or simply an NBA observer curious about the next generation of talent, Jeremiah Fears is worth your attention this weekend. Keep an eye on the box score — this rookie has a habit of making it count when the opportunity is given.

For the latest updates on Fears and the Pelicans' injury situation, follow CBS Sports' NBA coverage and stay tuned to Pelicans beat reporters for pre-game lineup confirmations.