On Wednesday, the New Orleans Pelicans played their first official game since suffering a first-round sweep in the playoffs at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Heading into the season, the Pelicans are a new-looked team expected to be in playoff contention once again. Although they defeated the Chicago Bulls in their season opener, not all went well for the Pelicans. Most notably, guard Dejounte Murray, who the team acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason, suffered a fractured left hand. In addition to Murray expected to be out indefinitely, the Pelicans are also dealing with an injury to their freshly extended forward, Trey Murphy III.
Murphy missed the season opener due to a hamstring injury. However, there was initially no concrete timeline for his return. Now, we have a bit more clarity. Per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Murphy is expected to miss at least the next two weeks due to the injury. Furthermore, Scotto said that Murray “will be out indefinitely.”
The New Orleans Pelicans say forward Trey Murphy III will miss at least the next two weeks with a right hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated again at that time. Dejounte Murray suffered a fractured left hand and will be out indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/GcScdeyd7C
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 24, 2024
New Orleans Pelicans Give Update On Another Crucial Injury
How the Pelicans Will Make Up for Trey Murphy III’s Absence
Though Murphy is an important part of New Orleans’ roster, he was slated to come off the bench regardless. With him inactive, the Pelicans will rely more heavily on Brandon Ingram in the starting lineup. Off the bench, they will look toward Jordan Hawkins and Javonte Green to assume a larger role. Both wings played against the Bulls and showcased their value immediately.
Hawkins, entering his second season with the team, played 28 minutes off the bench. In that time, he recorded 13 points on 4-for-9 shooting (which includes a 3-for-6 mark from the three-point line), seven rebounds, one assist, and a block. The 22-year-old had a stellar performance against Chicago. Drafted with the 14th overall pick just a year ago, Hawkins should have a lot of opportunities this season.
As for Green, it was his first game ever with the Pelicans. In the win against his former team, Green played 25 minutes. Furthermore, he scored 9 points on a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and recorded three rebounds, one assist, and an astonishing four steals. Green is a high-energy player who has the tools to become a fan favorite in New Orleans.
The Last Word
Murphy’s injury on its own is not the end of the world for the Pelicans. He will return sooner rather than later and make his presence felt on the court. However, pairing it with Murray’s injury is a bit more concerning. Regardless, the Pelicans are still a talented team and should sit comfortably as a top-10 seed in the conference this season. Led by Ingram and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans are aiming to do something they have not done since 2018–win a playoff series. Whether they end up getting there or not, however, remains unknown.
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