標籤: Dejounte

The New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons are set to play on Thursday night. Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray both dealt with injury concerns before the game. So, are the Pelicans stars playing tonight vs the Pistons?

Murphy and Murray are both impressive players. New Orleans is trying to pull off an upset on Thursday night, so having Murphy and Murray on the field will be important.

Here’s everything we know about his injury status ahead of tip-off.

Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray injury status vs. Pistons

Murphy is dealing with a right ankle sprain and Murray is listed on the injury report with managing a right Achilles injury. According to the NBA’s injury report, both players are questionable to play Thursday.

At 25-48, the Pelicans are 11th in the Western Conference standings. The Pistons lead the Eastern Conference with a 52–20 record. It will be a challenge to get a win on Thursday night, but the Pelicans will do their best to pull off the upset at home.

When it comes to the question of whether Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray are playing tonight, the answer is probably.

pelicans injury report

The Pelicans have six players listed on the injury report.

• Trey Murphy III (right ankle sprain): Questionable
• Dejounte Murray (right Achilles injury management): Questionable
• Bryce McGowens (fractured right little toe): out
• Trey Alexander (G League Two-Way): Out
• Hunter Dickinson (G League Two-Way): Out
• Josh Oduro (G League Two-Way): Out

The Pistons lost to the Atlanta Hawks 130-129 on Wednesday. Thursday’s game represents the second consecutive game for the Pistons, so their injury report has not been released as of the writing of this story.

As the New Orleans Pelicans head into a crucial period of the season, a refreshed Zion Williamson didn’t need a long scouting report to explain the impact of Dejounte Murray’s return to the lineup. The All-Star and longest-tenured player in the locker room needed only one word.

Smoothie King fans can feel it, too.

“Intensity,” Williamson emphasized. “The intensity that he’s bringing to the game, and not just in the game but in practice, is off the charts. It’s been great for this team. So, you know, to make a long story short, his intensity has produced stats for us.”

The numbers support Williamson. In his first 10 games, Murray averaged 18.7 points, 6.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 52.7% from the field and 34% from 3-point range.
New Orleans is 5-5 with Murray in the starting lineup, but 9-5 overall since his return, a stretch that has revived optimism around a franchise that spent most of the season searching for stability.

James Borrego has credited Murray’s presence with changing the team’s defensive identity.

“So we’re competing for more shots, there’s more physicality, and we have more size on the floor. We’ve put bigger, more athletic size on the floor,” Borrego explained. “We’re more switchable, and taking away the easy things.”

Borrego pointed to some of the league’s recent success stories as a blueprint, noting that lasting improvement starts with the defense.

“That’s one thing we said during the All-Star break and we discussed it with our team,” Borrego shared. “When you look at the teams that have really made significant leaps within a year or two, Detroit, Phoenix, you can go down the line, Houston, Boston, they’ve done it through their defense. Those top 10 teams that are moving the needle in the Western Conference, they’ve done it through their defense.”

With Murray back on offense, the Pelicans have leaned into that formula. His pace control and pressure on the ball has translated into more contested possession and fewer easy scoring opportunities for opponents. And if Williamson’s assessment is correct, the foundation is less about plan and more about tone.

Intensity, as it turns out, is contagious.

The New Orleans Pelicans face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night and Dejounte Murray is once again at the center of the injury report. He is listed as questionable due to the illness, making the Pelicans guard a focus as the team tries to win consecutive games. Murray’s situation is even more critical as he recently returned from a ruptured Achilles in late February, leading to his every appearance being closely monitored.

The Pelicans enter the matchup at 23-46. They are ranked 12th in the West and are trying to win games regularly. Meanwhile, the Clippers fall to 34-34. They are ranked eighth in the West and are aiming to break a two-match losing streak. They are also trying to stabilize their playoff position. Here’s everything we know from the injury report about Dejounte Murray and his game status against the Clippers.

Dejounte Murray has made an immediate impact following his return. In eight games, he is averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 27.0 minutes per game. He is shooting an efficient 54.7 percent from the field, 35.1 percent from three and 82.9 percent from the free-throw line.

His all-around production gives the Pelicans a reliable playmaker and scorer. Murray’s ability to control the pace, create opportunities and contribute defensively adds balance to the Pelicans’ lineup. When he is available, the offense operates with more structure and confidence.

Dejounte Murray’s injury status vs. Clippers

The Pelicans’ injury report makes Murray’s availability especially important because New Orleans is shorthanded. Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are out on G League assignment, Bryce McGowens (toe) is out, and Josh Oduro is also unavailable.

On the other hand, the Clippers are struggling with key injuries. Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Darius Garland (toe) are questionable, while Bradley Beal (hip), Benedict Mathurin (toe), and Yannick Konan Niederhauser (foot) are out.

The Pelicans are looking to string together wins, while Los Angeles aims to stop their decline and stay in the playoff race. So when it comes to whether Dejounte Murray is playing tonight against the Clippers, the answer is uncertain. His status will depend on pregame evaluation.

If Dejounte Murray and Jayson Tatum are any indication, an Achilles injury is no longer as career-threatening as it once was. Both Murray and Tatum are looking great upon their returns after long absences caused by rupturing their Achilles tendons; East, in particular, has shined for the New Orleans Pelicans and at least given them hope that they can bounce back next year amid a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

Murray is coming off a 35-point night in a close loss to the Houston Rockets, and he was efficient too, making 14 of his 18 field-goal attempts on the night. Tatum’s shooting isn’t far behind, but he shot 20-14-7 in his latest outing.

While all fans are seeing is the result of their hard work, Murray had to emphasize that his and his partner Achilles’ path to survival is not as easy as it makes it out to be. During the rehab process, it appears that the bond he has formed with Tatum and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who is also rehabbing, has made it at least a little easier — as seen this exchange Under one of Murray’s posts on Instagram.

Achilles It’s great to see people supporting each other man pic.twitter.com/ndIZGPUMDi

– JB (@lockedupjb) 15 March 2026

Dejounte Murray, Jayson Tatum are signs of hope for Tyrese Haliburton

Murray was out for over a year recovering from injury and all that time spent on the sidelines must have been very tough for a man who likes the game early. Tatum is an anomaly, as he returned to play less than a year after rupturing his Achilles. But he seems excited for a Celtics team with new title hopes.

This gives so much hope for the Indiana Pacers that Haliburton can provide a similar response after his much-anticipated return. The Pacers are hoping to pick up where they left off in the 2025 NBA Finals upon Haliburton’s return, and the success stories of Murray and Tatum suggest it’s indeed within the realm of possibility.

新奥尔良鹈鹕队在整个赛季中并不是最好的，但自从德章泰·穆雷回归后，他们在过去几周里有了一些生机。他的组织能力让鹈鹕队的比赛变得更加轻松，他也是他们需要的另一个得分选择。更好的是，他可以离他们更近，而且他不害怕出手。

这就是他们最近对阵多伦多猛龙队的比赛中发生的事情，鹈鹕队希望将他们淘汰出局。穆雷持球，由贾马尔·谢德防守。他对谢德进行了一些动作，导致他摔倒在地，穆雷投篮命中。

这就是该序列的结尾的样子。

德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 摔倒贾马尔·谢德 (Jamal Shead) 后的这张照片 https://t.co/VC7K7sxhgg pic.twitter.com/YWGanOLzEK

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 2026 年 3 月 12 日

对于谢德来说，这不是一个伟大的时刻，但穆雷至少在接下来的一分钟里都在大肆宣传。在那一刻，很明显鹈鹕队在整个赛季的大部分时间里都在想念他。

赛后，猛龙队主教练达科·拉贾科维奇谈到了投篮后发生的事件。

“我不会在那边付出太多。伙计们都很有竞争力。他在那里所做的事情可能超出了范围。我必须在电影中看到它。但我不想做更多的事情，”拉贾科维奇说。

那一刻可能会一直存在，但在某些时候，人们会忘记它，直到发生其他类似的事情。

本赛季7场比赛，穆雷场均贡献17.6分、5.3个篮板和5.4次助攻。鹈鹕队本赛季大部分时间都在西部垫底，但如果穆雷继续打球，他们有可能以强劲的表现结束今年的比赛。

他们没有理由像其他排名垫底的球队那样因为没有今年的选秀权而陷入困境。

经过近两年的耐心等待，新奥尔良鹈鹕队终于对德章泰·穆雷的版本有了更深入的了解，他们认为前执行副总裁大卫·格里芬正在收购他。如果过去几周有任何迹象的话，那就是球队未来的基础正在建立在这位 29 岁的球员的肩上。乔·杜马斯（Joe Dumars）无法低估詹姆斯·博雷戈（James Borrego）的基础已经开始成形，在过去的十场比赛中，这支球队看起来完全不同了。

临时主教练最近转移了赞扬，确保给予穆雷足够的信任。随着他在攻防两端定下基调，鹈鹕队开始养成在西部联盟持续竞争所需的习惯。对于一支长期寻求稳定的球队来说，由一位热情、具有颠覆性的全明星领导的清晰身份的出现让我们得以一睹未来的面貌。

自从朱·霍勒迪指出波特兰开拓者队以来，新奥尔良还没有见过这样的事情。穆雷改变比赛的态度可以说在最近战胜布兰登·英格拉姆带领的多伦多猛龙队的比赛中表现得最为明显。

“德章泰（对阵猛龙队）表现出色，”博雷戈承认。 “也许是我见过他打的最好的比赛，当然是过去两年（在鹈鹕队）。他的热情、竞争力，显然是投篮、防守、沟通、领导力，他给这支球队注入了如此多的信心和战斗力，每个人都围绕着这一点团结起来。”

每个人都可以谈论潜在客户中的无形资产。然而，随着时间的推移，只有一种方法可以衡量这些持久的品质，博雷戈相信德章泰·穆雷的优势具有感染力。

“我认为这确实是我们看到的蓝图。身体素质好、进攻性强、防守好、破坏性强，是一支强大的身体素质球队。这就是我们想要建立的，”博雷戈解释道。 “这就是我们的目标，在本赛季余下的比赛中保持这样的身份。我们已经养成了达到这一点的习惯。现在我们要做的是不要放弃并在此基础上继续努力，就像让它成为标准一样。”

“显然，一切都是从德章泰的进攻点开始的，”教练补充道，“其他人都排队了。”

手部骨折缺席后，右跟腱撕裂，他缺席了一年多的恢复，这对他来说是很艰难的。穆雷（场均上场 26.4 分钟得到 17.6 分、5.4 次助攻、5.3 个篮板和 1.9 次抢断）正在努力弥补失去的时间，以建立一点动力，在他回归的前五场比赛中，每场得分上双，并至少有一次抢断。这个故事超出了统计数据，这就是为什么博雷戈几周来一直赞扬穆雷的领导能力。

德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 效力于鹈鹕队

3月8日，鹈鹕队结束六场客场之旅回到主场并以138-118击败华盛顿奇才队后，博雷戈特别赞扬穆雷让球队取得胜利。防守的基调在整个阵容中产生了连锁反应，建立了一个以前难以捉摸的标准。

“从客场之旅回家后，这些总是艰难的比赛。有时这些比赛可能是陷阱比赛。所以，我为我们的球员感到骄傲。他们以正确的心态做出反应。我给予德章泰穆雷很大的信任，”博雷戈承认。 “他有热情，有活力。他会以某种方式带领我们赢得这场胜利（战胜华盛顿奇才队）。他的反应非常好，他的领导力也很好。”

正如博雷戈所描述的那样，这一标准植根于坚韧和防守破坏。这种风格非常适合穆雷的比赛风格。 2021-22 赛季，他在圣安东尼奥马刺队的抢断榜上位居 NBA 抢断榜首是有原因的。当允许在比赛中发挥自己的身体素质时，穆雷总是处于最佳状态。在新奥尔良，这一角色已经成为人们关注的焦点。

鹈鹕能否将这最后几周转化为下赛季的基础还有待观察。但对于一支经历过苦难的球队来说，观看穆雷带着这样的目标打球至少是一个相信未来看起来比记录所暗示的更光明的理由。

After almost two full years of patience, the New Orleans Pelicans are finally getting an extended look at the version of Dejounte Murray they thought former EVP David Griffin was getting. If the past several weeks are any indication, the foundation of the franchise’s future is being built on the shoulders of the 29-year-old. Joe Dumars can’t deny how much James Borrego’s groundwork is starting to take shape on what has looked like a completely different team over the last 10 games.

The interim head coach has been generous with the praise lately, and made sure to give Murray plenty of credit. With the atmosphere they have established on both ends, the Pelicans are beginning to establish the habits needed to consistently compete in the Western Conference. For a franchise that has long sought stability, the emergence of a clear identity led by a fiery, disruptive All-Star offers a glimpse of what the future could look like.

New Orleans hasn’t seen anything like this since Jrue Holiday headed to the Portland Trail Blazers. Murray’s game-changing attitude was arguably never more evident than in Brandon Ingram’s recent win over the beleaguered Toronto Raptors.

“Dejounte (against the Raptors) was phenomenal,” Borrego admitted. “Probably the best game I’ve seen him play, certainly these last two years (with the Pelicans). Just his fire, competitiveness, obviously making shots, defense, communication, leadership out there, he instills so much confidence and fight in this group, and everybody is rallying around it.”

Everyone can talk about abstract things in probability. However, there’s only one way to measure those enduring qualities over time, and Borrego believes Dejounte Murray’s upside has been contagious.

“I think it’s really the same blueprint that we saw. Physical, offensively, defensively, disruptive, a big physical team. That’s what we’re looking to build,” Borrego explained. “That’s the goal, to keep that identity for the rest of the season. We’ve built habits to get to this point. Now it’s about not giving up and carrying it forward, like letting it become the standard.”

“Obviously, it starts with Dejounte at the point of attack,” the coach said, “and everyone else getting in line.”

Taking more than a year to recover from a torn right Achilles tendon, which came on the heels of a fractured hand, was difficult. Murray (17.6 points, 5.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 26.4 minutes per game) is trying to make up for lost time by building some momentum, scoring in double figures and recording at least one steal in each of his first five appearances. The story goes beyond the statistics, which is why Borrego has praised Murray’s leadership for weeks.

Dejounte Murray Motors Pelican

After the Pelicans returned home from a six-game road trip and defeated the Washington Wizards 138–118 on March 8, Borrego specifically credited Murray for leading the team to victory. The tone set defensively has created a ripple effect throughout the roster, setting a standard that was previously elusive.

Borrego admitted, “These are always tough games when we come home after a road trip. And they can be trap games sometimes. So, I’m proud of our guys. They responded with the right mentality. I give Dejounte Murray a lot of credit.” “He had fire, juice. He was going to get us a win (over the Washington Wizards) anyway. His great reaction, his leadership.”

The standard, as Borrego describes it, is rooted in toughness and defensive disruption. It’s a style that fits Murray’s game perfectly. He led the NBA in assists with San Antonio during the 2021–22 season. Murray has always been at his best whenever allowed to impose himself physically in a game. In New Orleans, that role has come into focus.

It remains to be seen if the Pelicans can turn these final weeks into a foundation for next season. But for a franchise that has faced hardships, seeing Murray playing with such purpose is, at least, a reason to believe that the future looks bright given the record.

The New Orleans Pelicans haven’t been the best all season, but they have found a little life the past few weeks since the return of Dejounte Murray. He has made things easier for the Pelicans with his play and is another scoring option they need. What’s even better is that he can get as close as he needs to, and he’s not afraid to take the shot.

That’s what happened in their latest game against the Toronto Raptors, where the Pelicans were looking to shut them out. Murray had the ball and Jamal Sheed was protecting him. He hit some moves on Sheed which caused him to fall to the floor and Murray hit a shot.

The end of that sequence was something like this.

This picture of Dejounte Murray after taking down Jamal Sheed 🥶 https://t.co/VC7K7sxhgg pic.twitter.com/YWGanOLzEK

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 12 March 2026

It wasn’t a great moment for Shead, but Murray was in the news at least for the next minute. At that time, it was clear that the Pelicans missed him for most of the season.

After the game, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic spoke about the incident that occurred after the shot.

Rajakovic said, “I don’t give it too much attention there. The guys are competitive. What they did there was probably off the board. I got to see it on film. But I don’t want to make too much of it.”

That moment may stick around, but at some point, people will forget about it until something else like it happens.

In seven games this season, Murray is averaging 17.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists. The Pelicans have been near the bottom of the Western Conference for most of the season, but if Murray continues to play there is a chance they will finish the year strong.

They have no reason to tank like other teams in the lower tier because they don’t have their picks in this year’s draft.

After 13 difficult months of healing from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, Dejounte Murray’s return to the New Orleans Pelicans lineup has provided an unmistakable spark. The All-Star has revitalized a locker room that was searching for an identity all season. James Borrego and Zion Williamson are two of many in the organization who are very grateful that their point guards are still involved with the long-term gameplan.

However, the 29-year-old admitted that the process of returning to form towards the end of the year has not been simple.

“You know, I’m feeling great mentally, physically, spiritually,” Murray insisted. “Really taking it one day at a time, but this thing is a challenge, you know what I mean? Getting back into the flow of things is a challenge.”

Getting reacclimated to the NBA pace in his situation with the Pelicans has really given Murray (16 points, 5.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds) a new appreciation for every opportunity.

“Coming back with only 20-some games left is really different because you see a different perspective of things,” Murray explained. “Some teams are doing this, other teams are doing that, players in, players out. So for me, just taking it one day at a time and trying to get better every day.”

Borrego kept an open mind about Murray’s timeline, allowing the interim coach to consider any contribution a welcome surprise. This is just one way the Pelicans can find a ray of hope amid a lost season.

“To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect,” Borrego confessed. “I never try to get ahead of it. I just live in the moment, see where (Murray) is, but he’s impressive. I mean, just physically impressive to do that. The fact that he’s out there doing it, for (Jason Tatum) too, you know, he’s doing his job. It’s impressive what these young guys have done, the dedication both of them have shown.”

Williamson and Murray worked on group chat to keep everyone connected between challenges, and that chemistry is paying immediate benefits on the court.

“As a brother, it’s good to have him back on the court,” Williamson said. “Even though we were checking on him, he was doubly checking on us, making sure everyone’s composure was OK, making sure everyone was good, and checking on the team’s position.”

For Murray, the biggest hurdle remains finding his rhythm in meaningful games throughout the season. This will have to wait till next season. The condensed window leaves little room for gradual adjustments, especially for a team that is still trying to find consistency in expansion. For the Pelicans, the 3-3 record with Murray is a reminder of how much unreliable leadership can affect both the locker room and the scoreboard.

On January 31, 2025, Dejounte Murray’s first season with the New Orleans Pelicans ended prematurely when he ruptured his Achilles in an Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. A torn Achilles usually involves an absence of nearly or more than a year, and for the Pelicans guard, it certainly took his time to heal. And the patience with which he carried out his recovery seems to have helped him get back into form.

On Sunday, the Pelicans won 138-118 over the Washington Wizards and Murray has continued his solid play so far in his return. His minutes haven’t been so limited either; He played 30 minutes against the Phoenix Suns last Friday, and was out for 24 minutes in the blowout win over the Wizards, and recorded 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals for that contest.

Although Murray has not yet returned to his All-Star form, the fact that he has been so productive for the Pelicans early in his comeback is a source of joy not only for the team, but also for fans of the former All-Star. On Sunday, former NFL safety Ryan Clark were present and praised Murray highly.

Clark said via Pelican Film Room on Twitter

“You know it when you meet a real person.. He’s a guy that will inspire other people… It’s authenticity. You feel that under his leadership.. That’s why I’m here. It’s my first game of the season… I wanted to make sure he saw me”

-Ryan Clark on Dejounte Murray pic.twitter.com/1K0uDQrbM1

– Pelican Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) 9 March 2026

Pelicans want to bounce back next season

The 2025-26 season is over long ago for the Pelicans. All that’s left for them to do this season is play with pride and maybe screw up the plans of the Atlanta Hawks, who they surrendered in the Derrick Queen swap, by winning as many games as they can.

But when the Pelicans are healthy, they are hoping to dismantle the Western Conference playoff picture.

The transition from starter to reserve can be a tough adjustment for anyone, especially for a rookie point guard on a 19-43 rebuilding team. Unfortunately for Jeremiah Fears, James Borrego is working in a crowded backcourt while making a case to keep the full-time job. Thankfully, Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole have helped the former Oklahoma player find value in a new perspective as the New Orleans Pelicans move into the final stretch of an otherwise lost season.

With Murray and Trey Murphy III healthy and available, Fears couldn’t complain about being the odd man out. However, after making 44 starts in 62 games, it meant learning a new rhythm and routine. What’s important to having a strong All-Rookie season?

“Being able to make adjustments on the fly, getting out there, getting a feel for the game early. Seeing my first shot, letting my teammates continue to lift me up,” Fears confessed. “Credit to them, credit to the coaches for trusting me and making the right plays. I had too many turnovers (against the Los Angeles Clippers), but I’ll definitely watch film and try to learn from it.”

Learning some lessons that provide a ray of hope moving forward is all that is left for the Pelicans. DeAndre Jordan has served as the bench coach for three young veterans who have come in and out of the lineup. Yves Messi, Karlo Matkovic and rookie Derrick Queen have taken it in stride with an eye on development and the next impressive game.

Instead of getting angry, Fears took the advice of two guards who started their careers on the bench. Those bonds have helped the rookie deal with everything that comes with being a professional.

“Talking to Dejounte, talking to Jordan Poole. Just asking questions, continuing to learn and they’re giving me some really good advice in the game of basketball, on and off the court,” Fears shared. “So, to be able to take the advice they give me and continue to translate them to the court.”

The most important advice is to stay true to yourself during difficult times. Authenticity and heart are everything at this level. Fear has to direct the flow in some ways, go with it in others, until it finds what works.

“Just keep playing my game. I think that’s huge. They’re telling me to keep playing my game, do what I do to be the point guard on the floor,” Fears explained. “You have to be able to talk, lead your teammates, put them in the right positions and most importantly continue to play my game. And I think listening to them and listening to the advice they’re giving me, I’m doing that every game. I think it’s working for me.”

The Pelicans have won three of their last five, but with the Western Conference playoff picture out of reach, the focus remains on development. Regardless of the final record, Fierce finally looks ready to run the show. Until then, winning a sixth Man of the Month award should be a goal. Borrego understands this well. Showing his ability to come off the bench while leaning on vets or yelling at them will be a major storyline in the final weeks of the season.

The math says Zion Williamson’s injured New Orleans Pelicans have almost no chance of reaching the NBA Play-In Tournament. Dejounte Murray says otherwise. After spending 13 months recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Murray made his season debut on Tuesday and immediately took to social media with some bold announcements.

There will be no holidays in New Orleans. A handful of people in the organization, including Murray and broadcaster Antonio Daniels, suggest the Pelicans will make a push for the final NBA Play-in Tournament spot.

Murray posted on “Can we treat every game like a championship game and win, win, win? Yes. Can we get the last spot in them in the play-ins??? Duhhhh.”

The All-Star point guard’s postseason aspirations are, generously speaking, optimistic. The excitement after the start of the season is understandable; The reality is serious. New Orleans won two of their first three games after the NBA All-Star break and will soon have a fully healthy roster. According to Borrego, Murray’s return actually added some ‘balance’ to the process.

However, the basement-dwelling Pelicans have less than two dozen games left to overcome their 11-game deficit. The schedule is manageable, but the bigger picture of what the LA Clippers are trying to pursue is undeniable.

Murray’s henchmen are about to embark on a six-game road trip, although five of the next seven games are against lottery-bound squads looking to lose to improve their odds. Unfortunately, the Clippers have the third-easiest schedule to end the regular season. Still, the core of this team could build some momentum and chemistry that should be valuable next season, when the team hopes to compete for a top-six seed.

Pelicans moving towards stability

James Borrego’s improved starting five features two All-Star-caliber veterans instead of two rookies. At least one current starter will be replaced when Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy become available, which should be soon.

“It’s very complicated right now,” Borrego confessed. “It’s going to be more complicated over the next game or two. It’s a good problem; we’ve been waiting for it. We’ve got healthy bodies back, we’re playing good basketball, and guys are confident right now. It’s complicated, a puzzle I have to figure out night after night. I can’t make 15 guys happy, but I know 15 guys are ready to go. And I have confidence in all 15. At any given moment, it’s their night, your moment, “Maybe your quarter.”

The main points are becoming clear. Murray will run point for the next six weeks. Given the continued communication with Joe Dumars and the urgency to return to action, fans can expect the former All-Star to be in Metairie for training camp next September. Zion Williamson’s value ahead of the NBA trade deadline was a wake-up call to the sagging face of the franchise. However, the front office has found a way to get Williamson on the court and smiling, so hopefully the experiment will be extended.

Fans can expect Williamson and Murray to take turns handling the ball and setting the table to create chances for everyone else. Herb Jones is beloved by fans, admired by teammates and feared by enemies around the world. Not on Herb for not starting the game on the bench. Trey Murphy III is arguably the best player in the Big Easy, and possibly the best shooter on the planet. His length and versatility fit him well on the wing opposite Jones.

Depending on the matchup, Yves Missy, Derrick Queen and Saddiq Bey will likely alternate as the fifth starter. Bey is a tactical play as a sixth man option to boost scoring off the bench. For example, it gives Jeremiah Fear a new outlet. However, the Pelicans have played from behind too often this season. Building momentum and allowing young players to thrive against other units is the only way to keep the play-in tournament dreams alive until March Madness begins.

The guard should be the first to keep fear off the bench. Murray is on a minutes restriction right now, and the recent first-round investment means the rookie will get significant development time on the court next season. Jordan Poole is clearly out of Borrego’s metaphorical doghouse, but his potential with the team this postseason is limited. Expect Poole to punch out an average of about 20 minutes per night, depending on whether his shot is falling and passing is on point.

The queen and bay together should log about 50 minutes per night. The potential of that pair should be given time to develop. If the pool is playing a lot, Micah Peavy and Bruce McGowens are ready for a bigger role in getting the data. The Pelicans are getting serious about setting a new standard in every way. When Missy and Queen get tired or face obstacles, Karlo Matkovic substitutes the pace front court. Matkovic is still earning Borrego’s trust in small increments.

It may not be enough to clinch the final NBA Play-in Tournament spot, but this gameplan gives the Pelicans a real chance to try for an NBA playoff spot next season. Joe Dumars has arguably walked away from some sensible offseason controversy if Poole and Jordan Hawkins are among those taking a pay cut.

Murray, Williamson, Murphy III and Queen have All-Star potential. Fear is a firecracker. Not on Herb could still win Defensive Player of the Year. Bey may have been the best buy-low deal bet of the last 12 months. The outline is there. He just needs one season without injuries to light the championship fire. The next six weeks are the lowest of low-pressure situations to show fans why they should still be excited about the viability of this foundation.

Dejounte Murray opened the 2025-26 season with a goal in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 113-109 win over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. He appears to be dedicated to helping his team compete for a possible spot in the play-in tournament at the end of the campaign. He said this in some NSFW post on X while refusing to request a trade from New Orleans.

An account on social media claimed the 29-year-old guard requested a trade from the Pelicans before the deadline. Murray saw the post and claimed it was untrue, shutting down the rumors entirely.

“Let’s clean the air from the f*** at one source,” Murray declared. “I or my agent never requested to be traded out of New Orleans!!! Joe and the entire organization know I was locked in to come back better than ever to help grow this game and build whatever comes next!! It’s about having fun!!”

The nine-year veteran doubled down on his play-in tournament claim, and explained to a sports fan that if the Pelicans play hard in the final stretch of the regular season, they could find themselves competing for a playoff spot.

“Oh!!! Are we a contender? No. Can we finish in the top 6? No. Can we build some momentum by playing together and develop winning habits for the rest of the season? Yes. Can we treat every game like a championship game and win, win, win? Yes. Can we finish last in the play-ins??? Duhhh.”

Dejounte Murray missed most of the season after rupturing his right Achilles tendon in January 2025. In his first game in action, Murray recorded 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and one steal. He also shot 45.4% from the floor and 25.0% from beyond the three-point line.

As the NBA considers expansion ideas, the conversation in Seattle has naturally turned to which players will ultimately wear the green and gold. Although the league has not yet formally approved new franchises, the groundwork is being laid near the Space Needle. When the SuperSonics finally return, they’ll need cornerstone pieces, and a former Rainier Beach High standout is making a compelling case to be at the top of the wish list. Dejounte Murray makes perfect sense as a target and the New Orleans Pelicans may be willing to make a win-win deal.

Murray was very active on social media and cheering on the Seahawks during their Super Bowl run. The Sounders and Mariners have also gotten some love recently. Financially, his contract would be perfect for an expansion team over the next two seasons. If the NBA takes longer to make a decision, City’s connection could lead to an extension of the 29-year-old’s relatively cheap $30 million player option for 2027-28.

When asked about what caught special attention among the starting five introductions in his first game in 13 months, the former All-Star made sure to mention Seattle several times.

“I mean, save me for last. Call me first. It doesn’t matter. I’m in the NBA, you know, a kid from Seattle. So it’s, it’s a blessing,” Murray shared. “I have a lot of emotions, you know what I’m saying? I had my family here. So, yeah, I’m definitely grateful.”

“Man, (coming back from injury rehab) was great. Like I said, you know, I’m a kid from Seattle. I’m in the NBA, and what I’ve been through, like, I’ve been through a lot,” Murray said. “But I have no excuses. I keep my chest out, chin up, keep smiling and I’m just ready to see where it goes from here. I know God has some great things in store for me on and off the field.”

For a Seattle startup that will need to sell tickets, jerseys and hopes of opening day, there’s no better first target than that kid from Rainier Beach who has never stopped visiting his hometown.

After 13 months of Achilles rehabilitation, Dejounte Murray finally made his season debut for the New Orleans Pelicans. However, at a moment when everything could have been about his own comeback, the veteran made sure that the spotlight shifted to the rookie players. Ultimately, Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Queen played big roles in the win over the visiting Golden State Warriors.

Murray played brilliantly (13 points, three assists, two rebounds in 25 minutes), but it was the energy put forth by the first-year players during the decisive third quarter that prompted the All-Stars to sing some postgame praise.

“Yeah, we needed it though. We had some battles in practice. Just got to have games like this where we came out warm, feeling really good to start the game, but then we had to go through some adversity. Thanks for that third quarter. Our young group came through and they won that quarter. They played really well and put us in position to win tonight. At the end of the day, we just have to stick together and do it together.”

The win showed that the Pelicans, who have been battling injuries to James Borrego, have a promising future, even as New Orleans heads into the final stretch of a challenging season. With the playoffs out of reach, minutes have opened up for the rookie class. Thankfully, Jeremiah Fears and Derrick Queen are making the most of the opportunities, both posting All-Rookie worthy numbers across the board.

For a demanding Dejounte Murray-led Pelicans team, the opportunity to mentor a young core is a chance for every veteran to help build something sustainable. As a point guard, this should be a priority. How much have Fears and Queen implemented the 29-year-old’s advice over the past few weeks?

“A lot. Because, like I said, I want to make everybody’s job easier, and it will have an impact on them. But there are guys who already feel that way. You know, you’ve got a guy like Herb Jones who doesn’t ask the coach to draw up a play for him. He’s always aggressive. He sees that no one watches the defense, he’s proactive. Everybody knows him for that,” Murray explained. “But, you know, I think the more we hang out together, have fun and learn to translate each other, it could be really special.”

The Pelicans (15-42) are lottery favorites, but the development of their rookie duo has emerged as a real bright spot. Queen averaged 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists; Fears is averaging 13.3 points and 3.1 assists. Murray suggested that his statistics told only part of the story. What impressed him more is how he handled the inevitable ups and downs of an NBA rookie season, especially when the roles changed dramatically.

Murray shared, “We like each other. There’s no egos. There’s no one to yell at.” “You had young guys starting, then they went to the bench. They took it, you know, like they were supposed to take it, and I give them a lot of credit for that. So, it speaks to maturity and what they’re there for. And we’re all here to win and longevity, you know, is important to everybody.”

For a franchise that often looks for stability, Murray looks to be laying the foundation in real time. Joe Dumars ‘executes to perfection’ his plan to earn Dejounte’s trust. It may be difficult to achieve victory this season, but belief in what lies ahead has never been stronger.

Winning cures all ills, or so the cliché goes. However, defeating the Golden State Warriors did not prevent Dejounte Murray from leading the rebuilding New Orleans Pelicans after a disappointing former All-Star season. The 29-year-old was less modest about what James Borrego has been pushing since last August.

Instead, the veteran guard shared a blunt assessment that balances disappointment with perspective.

Murray cursed, “We didn’t have a king rebound. We were terrible. We were terrible. Like, we should have practiced rebounding yesterday.” “Literally, Herb Jones didn’t rebound. You know what I’m saying? When he rebounds, we all rebound.”

Murray finished with three assists and two boards for 13 points in 25 minutes, so there were smiles in the locker room after the game after the quick hit.

Still, he stuck to one particular game while grading the bigger picture after his first game in nearly 13 months.

“We can get better. I think I’d give us a C+ tonight. It’s beautiful to get a C+ and win a basketball game in the NBA against a good team,” Murray allowed. “I don’t care who’s in, who’s out. Steve Kerr coaches his team very well. He has a system, and he’s put the right players in there to be successful.”

The forgiving grades underlined the bigger picture. Even a “terrible” performance can serve as a useful building block.

“I think we probably got like a C or C+,” Murray reiterated. “We could have been more solid. Like, I had a little turnover there. I think I got fouled, but there’s no excuses. We have to be solid. When teams are stuck and trying to come from behind, we have to stay in our spots and be there for each other. I think that’s my job, but also, you know, it’s a collective unit. I’m a point guard, and like I said, I’m here to make everybody better. I’m here to win, so we have to be better overall. After we win, you can move on from things and, you know, correct those errors.”

Seven of the next nine games are on the road, starting with a six-game trip to the Western Conference. At least the first two games of the trip are against the lottery-picked Utah Jazz. It’s the perfect setup for Dejounte Murray’s Pelicans to let off some steam before summer break.

The plan is complete, the wait is over. Everyone around the training facility and family room can breathe a sigh of relief. More than 13 months after rupturing his right Achilles tendon, Dejounte Murray made his long-awaited season debut for the under-the-microscope New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 13 points, dishing out three assists, and grabbing two rebounds in 25 minutes during a 113-109 win over the Golden State Warriors.

For Murray, getting back on the floor was more than just physical rehabilitation. It was about maintaining a relationship with an organization that made him a priority during the darkest days of recovery.

“Absolutely. You know, for me it was just taking care of myself mentally,” Murray began. “Mainly with my body, I wanted to be in condition to play. Tell my team that I helped in L.A. The Pelicans were doing well, connected, and coming in. They came by probably seven times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. And at the end of the day, Joe Dumars and I talk a lot. And the plan, you know, we made, we executed to perfection. You know, that’s why That Dejounte was able to play today.”

The frequent travel from New Orleans to Los Angeles represents a significant change for a franchise that Murray had publicly criticized just months earlier for failing to provide adequate support during his first injury-plagued season with the team. The relationship began to improve when Dumars took over as head of basketball operations after the previous season.

The new front office began direct conversations with Murray about his concerns and implemented changes based on the guard’s feedback.

“He did very well and it’s all down to the doctors,” Murray explained. “The staff has been great. They came in with our medical staff. On the communication parts, everything, we’ve been communicating since this morning leading up to the game. So, like I said, the win matters. Grateful for that. We got the win and we’re ready to move on from this.”

Murray’s conditioning appeared to be intact in his first game action of the season, even if his shot was not perfect. He wasn’t bothered by the box score, instead pointing to how his body was on the night as the real measure of success.

“The buckets are coming,” shrugged Murray. “I felt like I was active. I felt good doing lateral movements, running up and down. You know, my condition was good. So, it’s just a credit to my hard work and dedication.”

New Orleans came away with the win in Murray’s debut, and the 29-year-old made it clear that the result matters most as Borrego’s rebuilding Pelicans try to build momentum in the offseason. The former All-Star, who averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 assists and 8.3 rebounds during his 2022 All-Star season with the San Antonio Spurs, now has less than two dozen games to demonstrate that he can still be an elite choice to lead a new era of Bayou basketball.

The New Orleans Pelicans have had a tough season and continue to stumble in the standings, but they look forward to the return of guard Dejounte Murray.

On January 31, 2025, Dejounte Murray suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the Pelicans’ game against the Boston Celtics. Murray played only eight minutes and nine seconds before suffering an injury.

After missing 13 months due to an Achilles injury and working hard to return, the Pelicans guard made his season debut and return from injury on Tuesday night when the Pelicans hosted the Golden State Warriors inside the Smoothie King Center.

In a tremendous show of respect, the Pelicans reorganized their starting lineup and named Dejounte Murray at the last spot in the group while the crowd cheered him on.

https://x.com/RodWalkerNola/status/2026465486892834952

On the first play of the game, center DeAndre Jordan found Murray cutting to the left corner with a bounce pass. Murray made an acrobatic reverse layup, giving him his first basket back since the injury.

Dejounte Murray goes backdoor for his first bucket in his comeback

This is their first game after January 31, 2025!

pic.twitter.com/51kXHZ6nBM

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 25 February 2026

Dejounte Murray played five minutes in his first period and ended the game to a loud ovation from the Pelicans fans. Murray finished with four points on 2-of-3 shooting from the field.

Murray had been growing rapidly over the past few weeks, but only six months after Achilles surgery did he regain some of his athletic ability. The Pelicans guard actually posted a video of himself throwing down a reverse dunk with relative ease six months into his recovery.

6 months and it feels lighter!!! 😁 I’ll see you all again soon!!! 😤😈 #dm5🖤 pic.twitter.com/PuThC0u386

– Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) 20 August 2025

Since becoming a full-time starter in the 2020 season, Dejounte Murray has averaged 18.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field. If Murray can get back to form quickly, this could either make for an interesting part of the Pelicans’ rebuild or a great trade piece for a team lacking an athletic, do-everything guard.

新奥尔良鹈鹕队经历了一个艰难的赛季，在积分榜上继续下滑，但他们一直期待后卫德章泰·穆雷的回归。

2025年1月31日，德章泰·穆雷在鹈鹕队对阵波士顿凯尔特人队的比赛中遭遇右跟腱撕裂。穆雷只打了八分零九秒就因伤倒下。

在因跟腱撕裂缺席 13 个月后，这位鹈鹕后卫在努力回归后，于周二晚上在冰沙国王中心迎战金州勇士队，完成了自己的赛季首秀并伤愈复出。

为了表达极大的敬意，鹈鹕队重组了首发阵容，最后提到德章泰·穆雷，观众为他欢呼。

https://x.com/RodWalkerNola/status/2026465486892834952

比赛第一场比赛，中锋德安德烈-乔丹发现穆雷从左侧底角切入，弹跳传球。穆雷完成了一次杂技般的反向上篮，这是他受伤后的第一个篮筐。

德章泰·穆雷 (Dejounte Murray) 切开后门，收获回归后的第一个进球 😤

这是他自2025年1月31日以来的第一场比赛！

pic.twitter.com/51kXHZ6nBM

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 2026 年 2 月 25 日

德章泰·穆雷在他的第一次上场比赛中打了五分钟，然后在鹈鹕队球迷的热烈鼓掌下离开了比赛。穆雷全场3投2中拿下4分。

穆雷在过去几周一直在进步，但在跟腱手术六个月后，他的运动能力似乎就恢复了一些。这位鹈鹕后卫实际上在康复六个月后发布了一段视频，视频中他相对轻松地完成了反向扣篮。

6 个月了，这感觉很轻松！ 😁 我很快就能和你们见面了！！！ 😤😈 #DM5🖤 pic.twitter.com/PuThC0u386

— 德章泰·穆雷 (@DejounteMurray) 2025 年 8 月 20 日

自2020赛季成为全职首发以来，德章泰·穆雷场均贡献18.3分、6.3个篮板、6.4次助攻和1.7次抢断，投篮命中率为45.5%。如果穆雷能够迅速恢复状态，这可能会成为鹈鹕队重建过程中一个有趣的部分，或者对于一支缺少运动能力全能后卫的球队来说是一个很好的交易。

On Tuesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans will play at home against the Golden State Warriors. For the first time in more than a year, Dejounte Murray will be in the lineup for the Pelicans as he takes the field for the first time since tearing his Achilles last season, his first in New Orleans. Here’s everything we know about Murray’s injury and his playing status against the Warriors.

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Dejounte Murray’s playing status against the Warriors on Tuesday

It will certainly be a sight for sore eyes when Dejounte Murray takes the field against Golden State on Tuesday. It’s unclear at this point whether or not head coach James Borrego plans to make the point guard the starting point guard, but regardless, he’s sure to get a big reception from the fans at the Smoothie King Center whenever he steps on the field.

Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III will be out for the Pelicans with a right shoulder injury, while Yves Messi is also out with a left calf strain.

For the Warriors, Stephen Curry will be out of the lineup as he deals with a knee injury, while new trade acquisition Kristaps Porzingis is also out due to illness. Draymond Green and De’Anthony Melton both have questionable play.

Murray was acquired by the Pelicans in the summer of 2024 from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for a package centered on Dyson Daniels, who won the Most Improved Player of the Year award in his first season in Atlanta.

Murray’s tenure with New Orleans was a bit of a mixed bag before tearing his Achilles last year, but he will certainly provide a steady balance of playmaking and shot creation to a Pelicans team that desperately needs both.

The Pelicans and Warriors are expected to tip off at 8:00 pm ET.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been very healthy the past few weeks, and they could be getting some more reinforcements soon. Dejounte Murray, who has not played since last year due to his Achilles injury, could return in the Pelicans’ next game, according to Will Guillory of The Athletic.

“Dejounte Murray says he believes tomorrow will be his first game back from his Achilles injury,” Guillory, formerly of the X, wrote on Twitter.

Murray continues to improve, and will now bring some much needed guard help to the roster. Jordan Poole was inserted back into the rotation just two games ago after multiple DNPs, and rookie Jeremiah Fears has taken over the majority of the minutes as he has been the starter for most of the season.

The Pelicans will likely bring Murray back slowly, but it wouldn’t be surprising if, at some point during the second half of the season, he ends up in the starting lineup. With no first-round pick for next season, the Pelicans have no reason to tank, so they will try to win as many games as possible. They have talent, but they haven’t been able to get it together this season, which is why they finish bottom of the Western Conference.

It’s been a good run of games for Zion Williamson, and it might be the healthiest he’s had in a long time. Unfortunately, Trey Murphy III has missed the last few games due to injury, but head coach James Borrego is optimistic he won’t be out long.

If the Pelicans can get a stretch of games where everyone is healthy, it will be interesting to see how many wins they can rack up before the end of the season.