Pelicans fans are on edge after Dejounte Murray‘s injury in his debut game for New Orleans. As a key offseason acquisition, Murray’s absence could shake up the team’s momentum just as the NBA season begins. With important games looming, the question now is when he’ll be back on the court.
Here’s a breakdown of what happened and what to expect next for Dejounte Murray.
How did Dejounte Murray get injured?
Dejounte Murray sustained an injury to his left hand during his debut game for the New Orleans Pelicans on October 23, 2024, in a 123-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
The injury occurred in the fourth quarter after Murray recorded 14 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, committing only one turnover. He didn’t address the media post the game. The team scheduled imaging tests for the next day to assess the injury’s severity. Reports later confirmed that Murray fractured his left hand, sidelining him for a long period.
When will Dejounte Murray return to play for New Orleans Pelicans?
As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for Dejounte Murray’s return to the New Orleans Pelicans, as his left-hand fracture requires further evaluation. The team will rely on medical assessments to gauge the duration of his absence.
Murray’s injury is expected to sideline him for an extended period, which could leave the Pelicans without their major offseason acquisition. This absence adds to the challenges for the team, which already missed Zion Williamson in the same game due to illness. The upcoming four-game West Coast road trip will test the Pelicans’ depth in Murray’s absence.
Murray joined the Pelicans’ roster as a key addition after the team traded for him from the Atlanta Hawks. The deal included players like Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance, along with draft picks. His injury raises concerns about the team’s ability to build chemistry and compete effectively in the early part of the season. New Orleans will need to adjust their strategy in his absence.
