Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray intends to return to action on Wednesday vs. Toronto, sources tell NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Murray was the first of several Pelicans regulars to sustain in-season injuries, going down on opening night with a fractured left hand. The 28-year-old was the club’s most significant offseason addition, with the Pelicans sending Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr. and a pair of future first-round picks to Atlanta as part of a package for a player they envisioned as their starting point guard.
Murray looked good in that role on October 23, nearly registering a triple-double (14 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds) in 30 minutes of action in the team’s season-opening win over the Bulls. However, he hasn’t played since, and New Orleans has seen Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins sidelined with multi-week injuries.
The Pelicans have lost 13 of 15 games since winning their first two of the season. They’re running out of time to turn things around in a competitive Western Conference and are expected to be without Williamson and Alvarado for a while, but there are reinforcements coming in the backcourt.
McCollum is listed as probable for Monday’s game against the Pacers, indicating he’s likely to return to action after missing the past 13 games with a right adductor strain. Murray could rejoin him on the starting five two days later.
Brandon Ingram is questionable for Monday’s game with right calf soreness.
