McGowens accumulated 13 points (4-9 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), four rebounds and one steal over 24 minutes during Friday's 122-109 loss to the Trail Blazers.

EDGE Analysis

McGowens got the starting nod despite being inactive for each of the Pelicans' two games prior to Friday's loss and ended up scoring in double digits for the first time since Dec. 11. The fourth-year guard's role for the Pelicans appears to be in flux, but he should be in line for more playing time for as long as Trey Murphy (back), Herbert Jones (ankle) and Saddiq Bey (hip) are sidelined.

McGowens is in the Pelicans' starting lineup against the Trail Blazers on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

McGowens did not play in the Pelicans' last three games, but he will be in the starting lineup Friday due to the absences of Saddiq Bey (hip), Trey Murphy (back) and Herbert Jones (ankle). Across eight starts this season, McGowens has averaged 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.9 steals over 27.6 minutes per game.

McGowens is listed as inactive for Monday's game against the Knicks.

EDGE Analysis

McGowens has started his team's last three matchups, but he's not listed in the first unit against New York and is actually inactive for Monday's clash. The Pelicans will roll with Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson and Derik Queen in the frontcourt.

McGowens will start against the Cavaliers on Tuesday, Spencer Davies of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Herbert Jones (ankle) sidelined, McGowens will enter the starting five for the first time since Dec. 6. The two-way player has averaged 13.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists across 28.6 minutes per game in five starts so far this season.

McGowens produced 23 points (8-11 FG, 5-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in 30 minutes of Thursday's 143-120 win over the Trail Blazers.

EDGE Analysis

McGowens had the hot hand Thursday, helping the Pelicans snap a seven-game losing streak. Herbert Jones was ejected in this game, and McGowens drew the nod coming out of halftime and delivered one of his best performances of the campaign, matching his season-high mark of 23 points. He's been trending up and is gaining steam as a waiver-wire pickup in deeper formats.

McGowens isn't starting Monday's game against the Spurs.

EDGE Analysis

McGowens will return to a bench role after starting five straight games for the Pelicans. He's struggled to make an impact as a reserve, averaging 7.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in his previous five appearances off the bench.

McGowens had 15 points (5-12 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), three rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 34 minutes during Thursday's 125-116 loss to Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

This was a nice bounce-back game for McGowens, who was held to just six points on 2-for-5 shooting his last time out. The 23-year-old two-guard will likely be inconsistent, but he'll continue to see a ton of opportunity while Jordan Poole (quad), Herbert Jones (calf) and Zion Williamson (adductor) are out.

McGowens notched 23 points (9-18 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-4 FT), seven rebounds and five assists over 33 minutes during Sunday's 133-121 loss to the Lakers.

EDGE Analysis

McGowens is now with his fourth team in four seasons after signing a two-way contract with the Pelicans in July. A fractured rib halted what had been a promising campaign with Portland's G League club, but the Trail Blazers declined to extend his qualifying offer. The Pelicans are hurting at almost every position, so while McGowens' move from the Birmingham Squadron wasn't surprising, his team-leading Sunday result was unexpected.

McGowens will start Saturday's game against the Warriors.

EDGE Analysis

With the Pelicans missing multiple key players, McGowens will get the starting nod for the first time this season. Over his last three appearances with the parent club, the two-way player has averaged 8.7 points in 17.3 minutes per contest.

McGowens signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans on Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

McGowens will be with his third team in four years since entering the NBA ranks back in 2022. The 23-year-old wing spent the 2024-25 campaign on a two-way contract with Portland, averaging 2.5 minutes in 13 NBA appearances. He'll fill the Pelicans' third and final two-way slot, and he'll have to compete with the likes of Trey Alexander and Micah Peavy for a slot in the back end of the rotation. Considering New Orleans' quality depth at the shooting guard and small forward positions, it's likely McGowens spends a significant chunk of the 2025-26 season in the G League.