The New Orleans Pelicans will start their NBA season with an encounter against the Chicago Bulls. They are eyeing their first playoff series win since they drafted their star power forward Zion Williamson as the No.1 overall pick out of Duke in 2019. Williams played 70 games last season, the highest he’s ever played, and looked dominant in most of them. However, he injured his hamstring during the Play-in game and missed the Playoffs.

Injuries have plagued his career ever since he joined the Pelicans and yet again it looks like he’s set to miss the the opening game of the season due to an unknown illness as reported by ESPN. The outlet’s injury lists Williamson as day-to-day. ESPN quotes reporter Erin Summers: “Williamson didn’t practice Tuesday due to an illness and will be a game-time decision ahead of Wednesday’s regular-season opener against the Bulls.” It’s disappointing to hear that he’ll be missing the opening night but he should be back on the court soon.

The player in question for the Bulls game is Brandon Ingram, who has been removed from the injury list and is no longer day-to-day. This suggests he may be available to play. Ingram is a key member of the Pelicans alongside fellow former Duke star Zion Williamson. He played a crucial role in helping his team secure a playoff spot by leading them to victory over the Sacramento Kings.

Expectations are high as the Pelicans head into the season, bolstered by retaining their stars and making strategic offseason moves. The addition of ball-dominant point guard Dejounte Murray will introduce new dynamics to a squad that already includes CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Before their first game, let’s take a look at the Pelicans’ injury report.

Pelicans Injury Report

The Pelicans have a bunch of starters who are in question to play the game tonight. First off is their newly acquired point guard Dejounte Murray who according to Coach Willie Green was set to return on Tuesday for the team practice but will be a game-day decision. Murray according to sources has been tending to a family emergency for a few days, and looks like he’s gearing up for some game action soon.

Next on the list is Jose Alvardo, he’s been listed as questionable for the game due to a right knee contusion. Trey Murphy III is currently in rehab from his hamstring injury and has not been cleared for spriting or physical contact so it will be some time before he returns to the court.

Ultimately, the Pelicans will have to make some tweaks in their starting five for their first game of the season with a few big names in question to start. However, they will have CJ McCollum, Hebert Jones, and most likely Brandon Ingram to lead their lines.