The New Orleans Pelicans have been without forward Brandon Ingram since March 21 due to a knee injury. Ingram has missed the Pelicans’ last eight games. In that time, the Pelicans have gone 3-5 and have lost their last four games. Due to this recent skid, New Orleans has slipped to the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Additionally, they are only one game ahead of the Sacramento Kings, who currently hold the No. 9 seed. It is clear Ingram’s absence has been a challenge for the Pelicans. Although there is still no timetable for Ingram’s return to the court, the team provided a promising update.
According to the team, the Duke alum “has been cleared to begin individual on-court workouts and will gradually increase the intensity
of his rehabilitation schedule.” Furthermore, the team also said Ingram will miss the team’s next two games against the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, who was diagnosed with a left knee one contusion as the result of hyperextending his knee on March 21, was re-evaluated this morning.
Ingram has been cleared to begin individual on-court workouts and will gradually increase the…
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 7, 2024
This season, Ingram has averaged 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Furthermore, he is shooting 49% from the field and 35.6% from the three-point line.
New Orleans Pelicans Release Injury Update for Essential Player
Brandon Ingram is Not the Only Pelicans Player Dealing With an Injury
In addition to Ingram, the Pelicans have lost a variety of other key players due to injury. Zion Williamson, the team’s leading scorer, left the team’s Wednesday loss early against the Orlando Magic. Furthermore, Williamson missed New Orleans’ Friday loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Currently, he is listed as day-to-day with no concrete return yet. Additionally, the team has been without backup point guard Jose Alvarado since March 26 due to a hip injury. Like Williamson, Alvarado is day-to-day. Lastly, backup small forward Naji Marshall left the Pelicans’ game against the Spurs early due to a left shoulder contusion. It is unknown how much time, if any, he will miss.
Brandon Ingram effect
pic.twitter.com/2BaNYq9njv
— Nora (@B_X_I_14) April 2, 2024
What’s Next for New Orleans Following Brandon Ingram’s Injury Update?
Despite falling to the No. 7 seed, the Pelicans are practically guaranteed to at least make it to the Play-In Tournament. With a 45-32 record, they are seven games ahead of the No. 11 seed Houston Rockets. Additionally, the team will likely get most, if not all, of their injured players back by the end of the season. With just five games remaining on the schedule, it is important for the team to keep their postseason hopes alive. In the meantime, they will rely on CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, and Jonas Valanciunas to keep them afloat. Additionally, in Ingram’s absence, the team will also likely rely more heavily on wing Trey Murphy. Since filling in for Ingram in the starting lineup, Murphy has averaged 14.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Additionally, he is shooting 38.9% from the field and 32.8% from beyond the arc.
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