Jamal Cain News, Rumors, Updates - New Orleans Pelicans

Quiet in loss Thursday Cain contributed one point (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and four rebounds in 16 minutes during Thursday's 111-109 loss to the Kings.

Impact Cain carved out a significant role with the club early in the season due to a litany of injuries, though he has since seen a decrease in playing time with several key players returning to game action. The two-way swingman has appeared in only two of the Pelicans' last five outings, during which he has averaged 1.5 points and 2.5 rebounds across 13.0 minutes per contest.

DECEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Jamal Cain Highlights vs. New York Knicks 12/1/24

DECEMBER 2 • YOUTUBE

Available to play Sunday Cain (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Knicks.

Impact Cain has missed the Pelicans' last four games with a right ankle sprain, but it seems he'll be available to return. That said, the three-year guard isn't expected to play significant minutes off the bench even if deemed healthy. Cain has averaged just 15.3 minutes per game in his 12 appearances (zero starts) in 2024-25.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Friday Cain (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Memphis.

Impact The two-way forward was a late scratch in Wednesday's loss to Toronto and will remain out Friday. Cain has seen an uptick in playing time due to injuries this season, but with several players returning he'll likely have a hard time carving out a significant role off the bench when he comes back. His next chance to suit up will come Sunday against the Knicks.

NOVEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Friday Cain (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Impact Cain was a late scratch ahead of Wednesday's loss to the Raptors and may miss another game. He's one of four Pelicans listed as questionable for Friday's game.

NOVEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Out with ankle sprain Cain has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Raptors due to a right ankle sprain.

Impact Cain was a late scratch. His next chance to suit up will come Friday in Memphis. He hadn't seen playing time in back-to-back games, so his absence shouldn't impact the rotation.

NOVEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Minimal impact off bench Cain racked up two points (1-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt), five rebounds and one block in 12 minutes during Monday's 118-100 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Impact With injuries to CJ McCollum (thigh), Dejounte Murray (hand), Zion Willamson (thigh), Jordan Hawkins (back), Herbert Jones (shoulder) and Trey Murphy (hamstring), Cain has received depth minutes in New Orleans' forward rotation. Across his five appearances in 2024-25, Cain is averaging 5.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in 13.2 minutes.

NOVEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Minimal impact off bench Cain racked up two points (1-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt), five rebounds and one block in 12 minutes during Monday's 118-100 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Impact With injuries to CJ McCollum (thigh), Dejounte Murray (hand), Zion Williamson (thigh), Jordan Hawkins (back), Herbert Jones (shoulder) and Trey Murphy (hamstring), Cain has received depth minutes in New Orleans' forward rotation. Across his five appearances in 2024-25, Cain is averaging 5.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in 13.2 minutes.

NOVEMBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Inks deal with New Orleans The Pelicans signed Cain to a two-way contract Friday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Impact Cain spent last season with the Heat on a two-way deal, averaging 3.7 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.0 minutes across 26 NBA appearances. In 2024-25, Cain is set to split time between the Pelicans and their G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron.

JULY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Heading for free agency Cain will become an unrestricted free agent after the Heat declined to extend him a $2.09 million qualifying offer Friday, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Impact The Heat extended qualifying offers for fellow two-way players Alondes Williams and Cole Swider but elected not to do the same for Cain, who recently wrapped up his second season on a two-way deal. The 25-year-old forward logged just 44 appearances over the last two seasons with Miami, but he was a standout performer for the G League's Sioux Falls Skyforce in 2023-24, averaging 23.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.6 three-pointers and 1.1 blocks in 39.1 minutes over 15 appearances. If the Heat don't elect to re-sign Cain, he shouldn't have much trouble finding an opportunity elsewhere on a two-way deal or a non-guaranteed contract.

JUNE 29 • ROTOWIRE

Garbage time appearance in loss Cain closed Friday's 111-88 loss to New Orleans with two points (1-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt), one rebound and one assist across four minutes.

Impact Cain saw four minutes of garbage time, just the second time he has seen the floor this month. To this point, Cain has only played in 18 games all season, typically used when the game is done and dusted. From a fantasy perspective, his value is non-existent.

MARCH 23 • ROTOWIRE

Joins Miami on Friday The Heat recalled Cain from the G League's Sioux Falls Skyforce on Friday, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Impact Cain hasn't appeared in an NBA game since before the All-Star break, but he'll be available for Friday's matchup in Detroit. With Bam Adebayo dealing with a back issue, Cain will likely serve as emergency frontcourt depth. On Thursday, Cain suited up in the G League for the Sioux Falls Skyforce and posted 16 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks during a win over the Mexico City Capitanes.

MARCH 15 • ROTOWIRE

Joins Miami on Friday The Heat recalled Cain from the G League's Sioux Falls Skyforce on Friday, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

MARCH 15 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to suit up Cain (illness) is available for Sunday's game against the Clippers.

Impact Cain will suit up for a second straight game despite battling an illness. He didn't play in Friday's win over Washington, so his availability shouldn't impact Miami's rotation.

FEBRUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Still battling illness Cain is questionable for Sunday's game against the Clippers due to illness, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Impact Cain also carried a questionable designation into Friday's matchup with the Wizards but ultimately gained clearance to play. He'll likely be re-assessed by Miami's medical staff closer to Sunday's tipoff to determine his availability.

FEBRUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Available Friday Cain (illness) is available for Friday's game against the Wizards.

Impact Cain will shake off an aliment and suit up Friday. However, his presence shouldn't impact fantasy hoops, as he hasn't appeared in an NBA game since Jan. 5.

FEBRUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with illness Cain is questionable for Friday's game against the Wizards due to an illness.

Impact Cain hasn't been part of Miami's rotation since early January, so his potential absence shouldn't impact fantasy hoops.

FEBRUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to bench Cain won't start Wednesday's game against the Lakers, Tim Reynolds of Associated Press reports.

Impact After making his first career start Monday and playing 35 minutes, Cain will rejoin the reserves for Wednesday's tilt. His starting spot will be filled by Nikola Jovic. Despite his reserve status, Cain should still see sizeable run with the Heat shorthanded on the wing

JANUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Making first NBA start Cain is starting at power forward Monday night against the Clippers, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Impact Cain is in line for the first NBA start of his career as the Heat continue to deal with injuries to Jimmy Butler (foot), Josh Richardson (back), Caleb Martin (ankle) and Haywood Highsmith (concussion). Cain is averaging 5.4 points in 13.3 minutes per contest over 18 appearances this season, but he figures to be in line for an uptick in playing time Monday night.

JANUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to play Cain (finger) is available for Saturday's game against the Bulls.

Impact Josh Richardson is available for the Heat, so Cain is likely to provide emergency depth Saturday. Cain has averaged 14.1 minutes across eight appearances this season.

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy against Chicago Cain is questionable for Saturday's game versus the Bulls due to a left middle finger sprain.

Impact Cain is a late addition to the injury report and could miss Saturday's contest due to a finger injury. However, with Josh Richardson back in the lineup after missing the last two games with a back injury, Cain is unlikely to receive significant playing time, even if available.

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Called up from G League Cain was recalled from the Skyforce on Thursday, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Impact Cain has appeared in just two games with the Heat, though his second appearance resulted in eight points, five rebounds and two steals in 25 minutes during a loss to Minnesota on Oct. 28. It's possible coach Erik Spoelstra wants him available, as Duncan Robinson (thumb) and Bam Adebayo (hip) are questionable for Friday's matchup against the Knicks.

NOVEMBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not on injury report Cain (illness) isn't on the injury report for Friday's game against the Hawks.

Impact Cain was dealing with a non-COVID illness that forced him to miss Wednesday's game against Memphis, but he should be back in action a few days later. However, his availability shouldn't significantly impact Miami's rotation.

NOVEMBER 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Wednesday Cain (illness) is officially out for Wednesday's game against Memphis.

Impact Cain joins Nikola Jovic as being out with illnesses. Miami expressed optimism that Cain would rejoin the team on the current road trip.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice Cain (illness) was able to practice Monday, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Impact Cain missed Friday's preseason game against the Rockets with an illness, but it wasn't even mentioned Monday, which is an encouraging sign. Cain had a terrific preseason and looks to be an exciting project for the Heat on his two-way deal.

OCTOBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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