Brandon Ingram Injury Update: Pelicans Dealt With Positive News on 2x All-Star’s Return Despite Extended Absence

The New Orleans Pelicans have been a pivotal part of the NBA so far this season, and it goes without saying, Brandon Ingram is an important part of the team’s overall success. The Pelicans entered the matchup on Thursday against the Orlando Magic after winning 16 of their last 21 games. They quickly climbed the ranks to becoming Seed No. 4 in the West Conference, with the 2x All-Star supporting the team with his scores, defense, and dynamic plays. However, he suffered through an injury the very same night.

On Friday, the team revealed that Ingram went through an MRI, which showed a bone contusion in his left knee, meaning he hyperextended his left knee. He is all set to go under further evaluation, as many as 15 days before the playoffs begin. Somehow, the bone contusion is still a piece of fortunate news for the team. Even though initial reports suggested that injury was a concern, this news came as a major relief for the Pelicans and their loyal fans.

Of course, Ingram is going through discomfort, but a bone contusion is still less severe when we compare it to other debilitating knee injuries.

What happened to Brandon Ingram?

Brandon suffered the first blow in the third quarter in the matchup against the Orlando Magic. He was trying to defend Jalen Suggs, right on the perimeter, when the latter drove right to the hoop, making contact. At the time, Ingram was seen to be moving laterally, and when he made contact, his left knee scarily bent in an awkward manner. Right after this, he squashed onto the hardwood flood, in serious pain and agony. He was in dire need of help at the time, and after a couple of minutes, he left the game.

Immediately after, he was helped off the court to head straight for the locker room. Then, between the third and fourth quarters, he did not return, as announced by the Pelicans. Later some time, after Ingram left, Head Coach Willie Green said, “He’s getting an MRI, and some imaging done”. Further adding, “It’s extremely difficult to see him go down. Our prayers will be going up tonight. Hopefully, we get some good news back.”

In just 21 minutes on the court, Ingram scored 14 points, with 7-12 shooting, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. But the Pelicans still lost 121-106.

Ingram will go under further evaluation in the next two weeks, and then we will have further updates on his status. But for now, it seems he is set to miss all the action for the next 14-15 days. With just 13 games remaining for the Pelicans in the regular season and rising the ranks to the 5th position in the West Conference, the loss of such an important player is something that might affect their future positions largely. Even though they have Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III to rely on, in Ingram’s absence, they cannot be sure.

The Pelicans meet the Miami Heat tonight for their next matchup at the Kaseya Center. Stay tuned for more updates.