“We’re limited on guys. We had some guys go out tonight again. Just gotta figure it out. Keep building.” The last time the New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Golden State Warriors, Brandon Ingram was there to touch base on the team’s struggles. Even after that, however, the Pelicans failed to get the better of the other rival teams. Of the 11 games they played after the Warriors loss, the Pelicans lost 9. Holding a 4-12 record, Brandon Ingram and co now need the win during the upcoming matchup to avoid hitting rock bottom of the points chart. Unfortunately, it would be a hard battle, as the Pelicans’ situation remains as dire as before.

According to the New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report highlighted by ESPN, the franchise has not one but eight players on the list. Six of them have been listed as ‘OUT,’ with time not having changed Zion Williamson’s and Jose Alvarado’s injury status, two leading scorers on the Pelicans roster. Meanwhile, Yves Missi and Brandon Ingram hold a ‘Day-To-Day’ status. The duo of Williamson and Alvarado share company with Herbert Jones, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Jordan Hawkins. All of them have been away from the court for a while now.

The Pelicans had previously ruled out Zion Williamson after he sustained a left hamstring strain during the Cleveland Cavaliers matchup. He sidelined himself after playing only 6 games this season. Shams Charania recently revealed that “The Pelicans are bracing for him (Zion) to be out about 4-6 weeks. His return will be based on rehab and how that treatment goes…” Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado joined the Injury Report a week ago after confirming his ailment during the Nets game was a left hamstring strain. According to reports, doctors will reevaluate Alvarado in three weeks.

Jordan Hawkins, who has been out for 7 games, gave a positive update on his condition recently. He stated, “I’ve been coming back, slowly doing things. Doing a lot of stretching, trying to get my back loose, getting my core stronger.” Therefore, the 22-year-old’s on-court absence won’t last as long as Williamson and Hawkins.

Amidst the absence of all other lead scorers, it was up to Brandon Ingram to carry the offensive effort. However, after the recent Pelicans-Mavericks matchup, he was diagnosed with a bilateral ankle sprain. While the situation isn’t serious, he was still ruled ‘OUT’ of the recent Cavaliers game as a precaution. Given the team’s situation, perhaps Ingram will return to take on Stephen Curry and co.

Speaking of Stephen Curry and co, the NBA All-Time Three-Point Leader continues to hold a ‘Day-To-Day’ status. This comes after Curry sustained left knee bursitis. The injury came only days after he recovered from an ankle ailment that sidelined him for two games. Fortunately, the knee injury hasn’t prevented Curry from playing against the LA Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks.

De’Anthony Melton is set to undergo surgery to treat his recently sustained ACL Sprain. Therefore, he will not return for the rest of the season. Reece Beckman has been absent since the Pelicans matchup back in late October. Therefore, his absence won’t affect the Warriors by much.

Not being in an injury-ridden situation is good news for the Warriors. After all, they have won 4 of their 6 recent matchups, including both of the NBA Cup Games till now keeping their winning streak alive. Therefore, with these injury updates, the Pelicans will need to adjust their starting lineups for the matchup.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Pelicans-Warriors clash look like?

Zion Williamson and Jose Alvarado have been ‘OUT’ for quite some time. Therefore, the Pelicans will continue playing with the adjustments made a few games ago. If Brandon Ingram will be absent against the Warriors, then Trey Murphy III can fill the gap. Javonte Green, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Brandon Boston Jr may also increase their minutes. Having averaged 15.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists this season, Murphy III may score more if he goes on to cover for Ingram. In light of these updates, we can expect the Pelicans starting lineup to look something like this:

When looking at the updates from the Warriors’ side, we expect the starting lineup for them to look something like this:

The New Orleans Pelicans or the Golden State Warriors? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming matchup? Let us know in the comments down below.