The New Orleans Pelicans are managing several player injuries as 2023 comes to a close. With key players expected to return soon, updates on their statuses are critical for the team’s performance.
Injury Updates for Pelicans’ Key Players
As of December 26, 2023, the Pelicans have three players on their injury report. The players impacted are guards Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray, and forward Herbert Jones.
Jordan Poole’s Status
- Missed the previous game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 23.
- Sustained an ankle injury during the match against the Dallas Mavericks on December 22.
- Currently listed as questionable for the next game.
Poole’s presence has been vital for the Pelicans this season. The team is 6-6 in games he has played, benefiting from his scoring ability off the bench. He averages 17 points and 3.3 assists per game.
Herbert Jones’ Condition
- Also injured his ankle against the Mavericks on December 22.
- Will sit out the next game to ensure proper recovery.
Jones has been a defensive asset for the Pelicans. Despite missing 62 games last season, he has shown improvement this season with averages of 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
Dejounte Murray’s Recovery
- Has yet to play this season due to a torn Achilles tendon from the previous campaign.
- Making strides toward a return, potentially by the start of the new year.
Murray, a former NBA All-Star, averaged 17.5 points and 7.4 assists during his last full season and would provide significant support to the roster upon his return.
Upcoming Challenges for the Pelicans
Following a five-game winning streak, New Orleans faced a setback with a heavy loss to the Cavaliers. Their overall record stands at 8-23, positioning them near the bottom of the Western Conference.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will embark on a three-game homestand. Their next matches include back-to-back encounters against the Phoenix Suns, scheduled for:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| December 26 | Phoenix Suns | 8:00 PM |
| December 27 | Phoenix Suns | 7:00 PM |
With the injury report closely monitored, the Pelicans are hoping for a quick recovery from their key players as they strive to improve their standings in the league.
