Valanciunas closed Wednesday's 124-92 loss to the Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round with 19 points (8-14 FG, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Valanciunas has been doing everything he can to slow Chet Holmgren down, and while that has proven to be a daunting task for the veteran, he's finding a rhythm on the offensive end of the court. Valanciunas has now scored at least 13 points in each of his last three postseason appearances, and he should continue to experience an uptick in his usage rate since Zion Williamson (hamstring) will still be sidelined for Game 3 on Saturday.

Valanciunas registered 13 points (5-9 FG, 3-4 FT), 20 rebounds, two assists and one steal across 29 minutes during Sunday's 94-92 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

EDGE Analysis

Valanciunas was heavily criticized for his play during the loss to the Lakers in the first round of the Play-In Tournament, but he's responded extremely well with back-to-back double-doubles against the Kings and Thunder. The veteran big man feasted on the glass against Chet Holmgren and used his physicality to dominate. Expect him to play a prominent role in the paint in Game 2 on Wednesday, especially with Zion Williamson (hamstring) still sidelined.

Valanciunas ended Friday's 105-98 Play-In Game win over the Kings with 19 points (8-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks over 27 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Valanciunas was a non-factor in the loss against the Lakers in the first round of the Play-In Tournament, but he stepped up in a big way here, as the Pelicans were without Zion Williamson (hamstring). and posted his second double-double since the beginning of April.

Valanciunas finished Thursday's 135-123 victory over Sacramento with 13 points (5-8 FG, 3-5 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal across 33 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Although Valanciunas' totals have taken a bit of a tumble this season, the 31-year-old has served the Pelicans well in the interior. Assuming he plays the final two games, the veteran will have logged a perfect attendance record for the 2023-24 season. Thursday's game marked his 80th start in 80 games. He's averaging 12.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.8 minutes per game this year.

Valanciunas closed Friday's 111-109 loss to the Spurs with 26 points (10-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 28 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Valanciunas had the daunting task of dealing with Victor Wembanyama on both ends of the court. Even though the French rookie finished just one assist shy of a triple-double, Valanciunas held his own, posting his best scoring mark since Dec. 15, when he recorded a season-high 29 points in a win over the Hornets. Valanciunas should continue to see an uptick in touches if Brandon Ingram (knee) and Zion Williamson (finger) remain out to face the Suns on Sunday.

Valanciunas ended Saturday's 104-92 loss to the Celtics with two points (1-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt), five rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Coming off a strong double-double performance against the Bucks on Thursday, Valanciunas saw just 15 minutes of playing time Saturday. He was not on the floor for the start of the second half, as Larry Nance joined the starting lineup. Valanciunas has seen his minutes wax and wane over the course of the regular season depending on matchups, though he should see the floor more Monday against the Suns.

Valanciunas logged six points (2-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), six rebounds and one assist in 10 minutes during Tuesday's 119-112 loss to Oklahoma City.

EDGE Analysis

Valanciunas did not play in the second half of Tuesday's loss, with coach Willie Green turning to Larry Nance and small-ball lineups with Zion Williamson at center to combat Chet Holmgren and Oklahoma City's spacing-oriented offense. Valanciunas will likely be more incorporated Thursday against Milwaukee.

Valanciunas supplied six points (3-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt), five rebounds, one assist and one steal over 18 minutes during Thursday's 121-106 loss to the Magic.

EDGE Analysis

His low playing time Thursday can be partially chalked up to the Pelicans being down big in the second half. That doesn't change the fact that Valanciunas has failed to reach 20 minutes in a game over his last seven appearances. Part of it has to due with Larry Nance getting big-man minutes off the bench, but New Orleans also tends to play small in the fourth quarter with Zion Williamson moving into the five spot. Valanciunas is capable of filling the stat sheet in limited minutes, as he's registered 31 double-doubles on the year, but he's averaged just 5.3 points and 6.7 rebounds over 17.6 minutes per game over his last seven games.

Valanciunas amassed four points (1-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and six rebounds across 18 minutes during Friday's 112-104 win over the Clippers.

EDGE Analysis

Valanciunas was woeful in the loss, scoring just four points in 18 minutes. He has now scored in single digits in six of the past eight games, playing limited minutes despite remaining in the starting lineup. The Pelicans are rolling right now, having won five of their past six games. As long as his reduced role continues, Valacinuas can be dropped in shallow fantasy formats.

Valanciunas totaled 10 points (3-6 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist and one block in 20 minutes during Tuesday's 139-98 win over the Raptors.

EDGE Analysis

Valanciunas notched his 32nd double-double of the season Tuesday and led the Pelicans in rebounding. His playing time has typically hovered in the mid-20s this season, but he tends to be efficient with the few touches he does receive on the offensive side of the ball. Valanciunas is averaging 13.4 points on 56.8 percent shooting, 9.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 blocks over 25.1 minutes per game this season.