10Breakdown
Performance
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January 8, 2026
Drops 20 points in loss
McGowens finished with 20 points (8-15 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 3-5 FT), two rebounds, three assists and one steal across 37 minutes during Wednesday's 117-100 loss to the Hawks.
Analysis
McGowens played a season-high 37 minutes Wednesday with Trey Murphy (back), Herbert Jones (ankle), Jose Alvarado (oblique) and Saddiq Bey (hip) all sidelined. The 23-year-old guard made the most of his opportunity, finishing third on the team in scoring only behind Jordan Poole and Zion Williamson. Primarily playing in a reserve role this season, McGowens is averaging 8.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.7 steals while shooting 50 percent from downtown in 19.3 minutes per game.
January 4, 2026
Headed to bench
McGowens will come off the bench for Sunday's game in Miami.
Analysis
Trey Murphy is set to return after missing one game with a back issue, so McGowens will shift back to the second unit. As a reserve this season, McGowens owns averages of 6.2 points per game on 58.1 percent shooting from the field and 80.0 percent shooting at the charity stripe.
January 3, 2026
Logs 13 points vs. Portland
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.
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.
January 3, 2026
Starting Friday
McGowens is in the Pelicans' starting lineup against the Trail Blazers on Friday.
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.
