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The New Orleans Pelicans are grappling with another major setback as Zion Williamson’s injury troubles continue. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Williamson has undergone a PRP injection to address his recurring left hamstring strain. Windhorst noted, “If you get PRP, you have to shut it down for a while,” and suggested that his recovery timeline could exceed the typical 4-6 weeks.
This news couldn’t come at a worse time for the Pelicans. Williamson’s injury follows their disappointing Play-In Tournament loss to the Lakers last season, where he initially hurt the same hamstring. Now, the team is preparing for an extended period without their star forward, leaving a significant void in their lineup.
However, there is a glimmer of hope amid the challenges. Dejounte Murray, who fractured his left hand on opening night against the Bulls, is set to make his return on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors. Murray’s comeback offers a much-needed boost for the Pelicans, who have been struggling to cope with Williamson’s absence and the unavailability of other critical players.
Sources: New Orleans Pelicans star Dejounte Murray — who fractured his left hand on opening night — intends to make his return Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors. pic.twitter.com/5T4DGxdo0y
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 25, 2024
The Pelicans are optimistic that Dejounte Murray’s return will reignite their game plan and provide much-needed momentum as they navigate another challenging phase in their pursuit of a strong season. While Zion Williamson’s recovery remains uncertain, Murray’s presence offers a glimmer of stability for a team desperately seeking to regain its footing.
However, the Pelicans are still dealing with a long list of injuries that complicate their efforts. Key players remain sidelined, including Jose Alvarado (hamstring injury), Herbert Jones (right shoulder strain with a small low-grade partial thickness rotator cuff tear), CJ McCollum (right adductor strain), Brandon Ingram (right calf soreness), and Yves Missi (shoulder injury).
Despite the silver lining of Murray’s return, the persistent injuries cast a shadow over the team’s aspirations. With that said, let’s delve into their depth chart to assess the availability of players for the upcoming games.
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Who all are healthy in Pelicans?
As the team prepares for the upcoming games, with almost six players injured so far, their depth chart outlines the expected starters and bench players, providing a clear view of who will be taking the court across different positions. Below is the breakdown of the player availability for the game:
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PG | CJ McCollum (O) | Elfrid Payton | Brandon Boston Jr. | Jordan Hawkins | Brandon Ingram (DD) |
SG | Brandon Ingram (DD) | Jordan Hawkins | CJ McCollum (O) | Brandon Boston Jr. | Antonio Reeves |
SF | Trey Murphy III | Brandon Boston Jr. | Brandon Ingram (DD) | Antonio Reeves | Javonte Green |
PF | Javonte Green | Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | Trey Murphy III | Brandon Ingram | Karlo Matkovic |
C | Yves Missi (DD) | Trey Jemison III | Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | Daniel Theis | Karlo Matkovic |
With many of their key players sidelined, the Pelicans face mounting challenges that will put their depth to the test. As injuries sideline their stars, the supporting cast must rise to the occasion and keep the team’s momentum alive. So, do you think, with so many of them injured, can other players step into significant roles, and can the team maintain a strong balance between starters and depth for this game? Do let us know your view in the comments session below.
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