New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. He has landed on the shelf due to lower back spasms after initially carrying a questionable tag on the injury report. Since Matkovic won't be available Thursday, he might not be ready to play on Friday either, when New Orleans visits Sacramento to complete a back-to-back. Yves Missi and Derik Queen will likely benefit the most from Matkovic's absence.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic (back) is questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. He's been listed on the injury report with lower back spasms. Matkovic serves as a backup big man in New Orleans, notching 6.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game in March. If he isn't healthy enough to play on Thursday night, Yves Missi and Derik Queen will be looking at a heavier workload. Veterans Kevon Looney and DeAndre Jordan are also options in the frontcourt.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic(back) practiced on Sunday but has been listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Boston Celtics. A back issue has kept Matkovic sidelined for both New Orleans' games so far this season. Last season, Matkovic showed good potential, averaging 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 18.8 minutes. He could have a busy night on Monday if Yves Missi (ankle) can't play. If both players remain out, the Pelicans must rely on Derik Queen and DeAndre Jordan to get the job done at the number five spot.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic (elbow) didn't play in the second half of Tuesday's 130-128 preseason loss against the Houston Rockets, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports. He was ruled out for the rest of the contest due to right elbow soreness and was seen icing his elbow on the Pelicans' bench. Matkovic is working to earn a regular rotation spot during training camp, but he won't have much fantasy relevance unless the Pelicans' frontcourt experiences multiple injuries again. In three preseason games, Matkovic has averaged 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13.7 minutes. His elbow issue may prevent Matkovic from participating in New Orleans' final preseason game against the Orlando Magic on Friday night.