The New Orleans Pelicans are reeling from a mounting injury crisis that has sidelined several key players, including Brandon Ingram, who has been ruled out with bilateral ankle sprains. Ingram’s injury, which is rare and often debilitating, could keep him out for 6-8 weeks or longer. The 26-year-old forward has been a cornerstone for the Pelicans this season, averaging 23.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His absence will leave a gaping hole in both scoring and playmaking.
Adding to the woes, Trey Murphy III is out for right hamstring management, and second-year guard Jordan Hawkins, a standout performer this season, is sidelined with a strained lower back. Rookie center Yves Missi, who has stepped up admirably, is also questionable with shoulder soreness, leaving the Pelicans potentially without their top eight or nine players.
Injury Table
Player
Injury
Status
Notes
Brandon Ingram
Bilateral ankle sprains
Out
Expected recovery: 6-8 weeks, possibly longer.
Trey Murphy III
Right hamstring injury management
Out
No specific timeline for return yet.
Jordan Hawkins
Strained lower back
Out
Out as of Wednesday; return timeline uncertain.
Yves Missi
Left shoulder soreness
Questionable
Status for next game uncertain.
CJ McCollum
Strained right adductor
Out (returning soon)
Expected to return Friday.
Herb Jones
Strained right shoulder
Out
Expected to return in the coming weeks.
Jose Alvarado
Strained left hamstring
Out
Recovery timeline not yet provided.
Zion Williamson
Strained left hamstring
Out
No update on return timeline.
Dejounte Murray
Fractured left hand
Out
Long-term absence expected.
To address the depth crisis, the Pelicans signed veteran guard Elfrid Payton, waiving Jaylen Nowell to make room on the roster. Payton, who last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season, brings experience but hasn’t been in top-tier competition recently. On the brighter side, reinforcements are on the horizon. CJ McCollum is eyeing a Friday return, with Herb Jones and Hawkins expected back in the coming weeks.
For now, the Pelicans must rely on role players like Trey Jemison and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to fill the void. Despite their perseverance, the injury bug has hit New Orleans at a critical juncture, threatening their competitive aspirations in a loaded Western Conference. Without Ingram and their other stars, the team faces a daunting task to stay afloat until reinforcements arrive.
