標籤: Pelicans

He was out of work for just two weeks. Former Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley was named the new head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.

Mosley spent five years at the helm of the Magic, but earlier this month after the team’s first-round exit for the third consecutive season, Orlando decided to move on from the 47-year-old. The final straw was blowing a commanding 3–1 series lead over the heavily favored Detroit Pistons.

He gets a five-year long contract to take the reins of the Pelicans, who won only 26 games and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Pelicans’ extensive search leads to Mosley as new head coach

Insider Shams Charania reports that top Pelicans executives began talks with Mosley shortly after his firing on May 4. Additionally, he said Pels Executive Vice President Joe Dumars conducted a thorough search with other candidates. He is said to have “spoken” with two assistants with the Milwaukee Bucks, Darwin Hamm and Rajon Rondo, as well as Brooklyn Nets assistant Steve Hetzel. Interim New Orleans coach James Borrego was also being considered.

This is a big decision for the Pelicans. Next, they must decide how to move forward with veterans like Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III. The latter’s name was constantly coming up in rumors as the trade deadline approached. The other two are having trouble staying on the court.

Mosley took over the team in the same situation he faced while working with the 21-win Magic. The franchise felt the team was ready to move on, and Mosley built them a 47-win playoff team in three seasons. But injuries certainly played a big role in preventing the team from taking the next step.

Of course, with Williamson and Murray as the two stars in New Orleans, Mosley may face a similar challenge. Murray has played only 14 and 31 games in The Big Easy over the past two seasons. As everyone well knows, Zion has spent as much time injured as he has on the court in his seven years with the team.

The New Orleans Pelicans are running out of ways to mitigate Dejounte Murray’s impact. Since returning from injury, the former All-Star has not only stabilized the backcourt but reshaped the team’s defensive identity. This is a change that James Borrego has made clear is no coincidence. It’s this reality that makes a potential contract decision this offseason much more complicated than a simple market-value debate, especially since Zion Williamson is in a similar situation.

In his first 10 games, Murray has averaged 18.7 points, 6.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 27.6 minutes per game. His field goal percentage since his return is 54.7%, a level of shooting efficiency that exceeds any performance he had in 31 games before the injury. The Pelicans are seventh in points per game and 10th in steals since Murray returned.

However, this contract extension decision goes beyond counting statistics. Borrego emphasized that Murray’s presence has fundamentally changed the team’s identity, changing the mentality from passive to assertive.

“The physicality has improved with our intention to be a more physical, aggressive team with our hands on the ball,” Borrego explained. “We’ve set the tone on the ball. He’s Dejounte, he’s Fear, he’s Herb Jones setting the tone on the ball, contesting every shot. Our field goal percentage defense has really increased. We’re contesting every shot. Our three-point percentage has really gone down against our opponents.”

“You can’t be the bottom team in this league and think you’re going to win,” Borrego said. “And that has to be a mentality. Every day we’re working defensively. It’s about pride. It’s about size. It’s about physicality. And I think we’ve simplified our defense as well. We’re not changing coverages too much. At most, what we’re doing within a play is maybe trying to take out one or two players.”

As Borrego noted, the team’s statistical turnaround has been anchored by Murray’s point of attack defense. Since the NBA All-Star break, the Pelicans have dropped from 27th to 18th in defensive rating. Countering the shots is yielding huge benefits. He has shown significant improvement in opponent’s effective field goal percentage, especially from beyond the arc, moving from 26th (55.8%) to eighth (53.2%).

With Murray’s projected contributions expected to remain close to All-Star levels over the next three to four years, the Pelicans will have to decide if the veteran guard represents the necessary cornerstone to translate this late regular season momentum into future postseason success. The franchise has long valued fiscal discipline to avoid the luxury tax, but there is a compelling case for making an investment that could cement the team’s identity for years to come.

As the Pelicans regroup for a crucial offseason, the front office faces a high-stakes math problem. How much will Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver really value a player who has fundamentally changed the team’s defensive DNA?

The answer probably sits in the $100 million range.

Dejounte Murray paces Pelicans

Murray’s $32 million salary cap hit next season is just fine. There is no way to pick up the $30 million player option for the 2027-28 fiscal year. Getting close to $38 million annually over the next three years shows what he has shown and what he can provide. This will be expensive. This will require financial discipline elsewhere on the roster.

However, the option of seeing a former All-Star, an elite defender and a natural leader walk out the door because the front office was unwilling to shed a $40 million AAV would be a mistake this franchise cannot afford, given how other star eras have ended. Zion Williamson can afford to wait in line behind Murray for this order of business.

Fortunately, the contracts of Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Zach LaVine, Kyrie Irving and Derrick White provide a reference point below that range. Jrue Holiday and Fred Van Vleet’s deals provide a floor for Murray’s agents if the market wants to play hardball.

The potential three-year, $114 million extension may not be in line with internal accounting plans. Still, it’s hard to ignore the courtroom evidence, which is forcing the franchise to reconsider how hard that line should be with this origin. Murray is entering what should be the high point of his career. His Achilles injury was serious, but his comeback in terms of production, efficiency and impact on wins has eliminated most of the durability concerns that might otherwise reduce his market value.

There are probably 15 players in the world who are capable of being a triple-double threat every night while still being legitimate NBA Defensive Player of the Year contenders. Most are on All-NBA teams at the end of the season. There’s no obvious price tag on that combination of skills, but the floor is very high, especially after Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Derrick Queen and Herb Jones. Just look at how much the Pelicans have been winning lately.

Given how the last few weeks have gone, the connective tissue of that core is unquestionably Dejounte Murray. Letting him go, or letting negotiations stall long enough to damage the relationship, would cost New Orleans far more than the contract dollars in question. That’s why the Pelicans should consider starting talks with a placeholder $80 million over two years versus a long-term three- or four-year investment that leads to the trade market.

Jose Alvarado faced his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans, for the first time on Tuesday night since being traded to the New York Knicks at the deadline nearly two months ago. Alvarado was a beloved member of the locker room and was a bundle of energy whenever he was on the court, and when the two teams met on Tuesday it was clear that he remains great friends with several people in the opposing locker room.

Before the Knicks’ 121-116 win, Alvarado go and meet People he became friends with during his time with Pelican. The Knicks guard hugged the Pelicans’ commentary duo of Joel Meyers and Antonio Daniels, exchanged some encouraging words with Dejounte Murray, and flirted with Trey Murphy III, as caught on camera via the Pelicans Film Room on X (formerly Twitter).

Jose Alvarado hugging his former teammates this morning pic.twitter.com/PMd9kTjviy

– Pelican Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) 24 March 2026

The Pelicans may ultimately not want to lose Alvarado, but given his plight during the 2025-26 season, they had to get whatever assets they could for someone who could leave in free agency at the end of the season.

With the Knicks, Alvarado once again gets a chance to compete in the playoffs, although Pelicans fans feel a strange tug in their hearts every time they see him traded to another team.

Jose Alvarado will play big playoff minutes for the Knicks

The Knicks have been interested in bringing in Alvarado for some time, and Miles McBride’s injury has further encouraged them to acquire the beloved Pelicans guard via trade.

Alvarado has his place in the playoff rotation for being a defensive pest, and he doesn’t shy away from the moment. They also have a tendency to be forceful to some extent. The Knicks will need to make open shots in the playoffs to justify giving him minutes.

Even though the front office has already used their 2026 NBA Draft pick on Derrick Queen, the New Orleans Pelicans will be scouring NCAA March Madness for some late second-round pick intel, especially during Sweet Sixteen action. Arkansas, UConn, Illinois and Houston are filled with former McDonald’s All-Americans thriving in supporting cast roles. St. John’s is obviously a sleeper, but they also have a great heritage connection that’s worth noting.

Fortunately, the current roster construction makes NBA Draft scouting priorities clear. Dejounte Murray is the current at point guard, while Jeremiah Fears represents the future. Trey Murphy III has a wing spot secured, and Zion Williamson anchors the frontcourt when healthy. This leaves two glaring needs for the Pelicans: another wing/off-ball guard to act as Herb Jones insurance and a reliable big to step up Yves Missy and Derrick Queen for minutes.

The Sweet Sixteen provides a timely scouting window for five under-the-radar names who fit those ideals.

Pelicans look for shooters

Andrej Stojakovic (SG/SF, Illinois) Averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, but production fluctuated wildly. A 30-point game is sandwiched between a week’s single-point duels. He completely disappeared against Michigan (0 points, 1 rebound, 2 fouls, 1 turnover) and dropped 21 points and 12 rebounds on Oregon in the next game. Finding a way to stoke that fire for an 82-game season is perhaps the most challenging step in developing a player.

Shooting (24.1%3PA) is also an issue. He has made only three three-pointers since Valentine’s Day; However, shooting 62% from inside the arc and his rim-attacking mentality give him a realistic NBA offensive floor. Stojakovic’s size, coupled with his pedigree and versatility at the shooting guard/small forward position, should draw real front-office attention when Illinois takes on Houston.

There is never a dull moment together Emmanuel Sharp (SG, Houston)A senior sharpshooter who has quietly spent four years becoming one of the best two-way guards in college basketball. The 6-foot-3 combo guard is averaging 15.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game this season, while shooting 40.7% from the field and a career-high 37.5% from three-point range. He was named to the All-Big 12 Team, the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, and earned Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors after averaging 20.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and three 3-pointers per game in three tournament games.

Houston’s run to its sixth consecutive Sweet Sixteen is based, in part, on Sharp’s reliability. He scored 18 points in the second-round win over Texas A&M and is averaging 17.0 points through two tournament games. He is now Houston’s career 3-point field goal leader with 277 triples. For the Pelicans, Sharp represents the off-ball shooting guard and glue-guy ideal they often lack. Consider a high-upside Jose Alvardao replacement. Sharp is a player who is capable of guarding multiple positions, spacing the floor, and competing in high-leverage possession with or without the ball.

If the Pelicans prioritize toughness and defensive tenacity, Sharp is a logical target. A key part of Kelvin Sampson’s suffocating system, the scrappy fighter brings an edge that translates to winning basketball.

Sweet Sixteen’s Slugfest

With apologies to Coach Cal, Trayvon Brazile (PF/C, Arkansas) Perhaps the most astute individual in the Sweet Sixteen. Public draft boards took him anywhere from his late 20s and never heard his name called, even though the 6-foot-10, 230-pound Arkansas forward averaged 13.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 53% from the field. He has posted multiple double-doubles during SEC play, including a career-high 28-point outburst against Texas.

What makes the Brazilian particularly attractive to a Pelicans team in roster flux is his combination of length and touch. He has a wingspan of 7 feet 3.75 inches and a maximum height of 41 inches, giving him the physical profile of a legitimate NBA rim protector and rebounder. He also demonstrated range this season and shot 36% from beyond the arc, a skill that matches up well with Williamson in modern frontcourt alignments.

If there is any doubt Tyrese Reed Jr. (PF/C, UConn) were in the NBA conversation, his first-round performance against Furman erased it. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound center scored 31 points and grabbed 27 rebounds in the Huskies’ 82–71 opening round victory, a stat line that had not been posted in an NCAA Tournament game since Bill Walton in 1972. Reed made 15 of 15 shots from the field in that performance and became the first player in 54 years to have 30 points, 20 rebounds and shoot 80% from the field. In a tournament game.

Reed’s regular season statistics are equally impressive. He averaged 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds with a 62.5% field goal percentage and earned first-team All-Big East honors after being named the conference’s Sixth Man of the Year last season. He transferred to UConn after two seasons at Michigan, and the adjustment to Dan Hurley’s program has been seamless. The knock on Reed remains his free-throw shooting (54.6%), a flaw that may limit his NBA range but shouldn’t disqualify him from being a late second-round flyer.

Finally, looking at the biggest underdog, Dillon Mitchell (PF, St. John’s) This is probably the most interesting name on this list, as he doesn’t appear in the box score like a traditional prospect. The 6-foot-8-inch, 205-pound forward from Tampa is averaging 8.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and a remarkable 3.1 assists per game this season, while shooting 55.2%. Those assist numbers from a power forward are essentially unheard of, and they reflect a skill set that clearly translates to the modern NBA.

A long, switchable, pass-first frontcourt piece who can run the offense on multiple levels, Mitchell may be the best low-risk, high-reward prospect to put next to Derrick Queen. Maybe not long term, but it would make for some fun NBA Summer League hoops this summer. St. John’s has gone 19-1 at one point since Mitchell was reinserted into the starting lineup this season, and that’s no coincidence.

Mitchell is a McDonald’s All-American who has played at three programs (Texas, Cincinnati) after becoming one of the most highly traveled portal prospects in recent memory, and his basketball IQ has only sharpened under Rick Pitino.

As the Sweet Sixteen unfolds, the focus will naturally fall on the star players and Cinderella stories. However, for the Pelicans’ scouting department, the real task is to evaluate how these five potential second-round targets handle the pressure of high-stakes tournament basketball. In the margins of the NBA Draft, intel is the currency, and New Orleans would be wise to collect as much as possible on this quintet of underdogs.

The Cleveland Cavs will visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. Donovan Mitchell is on the injury report along with Jarrett Allen, with one player listed as questionable and the other ruled out. Mitchell is nursing a left eye injury, while Allen is suffering from right knee tendinitis. Here’s everything we know about Donovan Mitchell’s injury and his playing status against the Pelicans.

Donovan Mitchell’s injury status vs. Pelicans

Given that Donovan Mitchell is listed as questionable on the Cavaliers’ injury report, it is difficult to predict whether he will play in Saturday’s contest against the Pelicans. Mitchell made NBA history with a hat-trick of career accomplishments in a single game. With the 20+ point performance he reached 15,000 career points, surpassing Mark Price for sixth most in franchise history, and scored his 200th 3-pointer of the regular season.

Still, Mitchell’s eye injury forced him to sit out Thursday’s 115-110 win against the Bulls. While the Cavs have won their last two games, they are 6-4 in their last 10 contests. With only 12 games remaining in the regular season, the Cavs (43-27) are one of the few teams that can overtake the Knicks for third place in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks (46-25) hold a 2.5-game lead. The Cavs have distanced themselves from the fifth-seeded Raptors (39-30) in recent weeks, powering the Eastern Conference’s top-4 squads during the fourth quarter of the regular season.

Mitchell finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in his last outing against the Bucks. As for whether Donovan Mitchell is playing tonight against the Pelicans, the answer is probably.

Cavs injury report

Jarrett Allen – Out – Right knee; tendinitis

Donovan Mitchell – questionable – left eye; Indigo

Craig Porter Jr. – Outside – left groin; strain

Tyrese Proctor – Out – Right Quadricep

Jaylon Tyson – Questionable – Left toe; Sprain

pelicans injury report

Bryce McGowens – Outside – Right little toe; fracture

The LA Clippers are in the midst of a three-game road trip, currently the second night of a back-to-back set on Thursday night in New Orleans and the fifth game in a tough five-on-seven stretch for the team.

Seven-time NBA All-Star Kawhi Leonard returned Wednesday night after a one-game absence and played against the Pelicans. Leonard was previously unable to participate in Monday night’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs due to a left ankle sprain suffered in Saturday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings.

Leonard left the Kings’ game in the fourth quarter and was later ruled out for the remainder of the game. Kawhi Leonard made a quick recovery in time to play on Wednesday night, but will the game be played again on Thursday night?

Here’s everything we know about Kawhi Leonard’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. the Pelicans.

Kawhi Leonard’s injury status vs. Pelicans

Kawhi Leonard was listed as “doubtful” to play in the Clippers’ first contest against the Pelicans, and was eventually upgraded to available. The Clippers’ injury report for Thursday night has Leonard once again listed as “questionable” for the game with a left ankle sprain. This is the second night of back-to-back sets after recovering from injury, so Leonard will be in high gear.

Just before the game, the LA Clippers announced that Leonard had been ruled out of the game. The franchise has historically had a cautious history with the two-time NBA Finals MVP, but Leonard has placed an emphasis on playing as many games as possible, especially when the team is fighting for playoff position.

Worth watching is that guard Darius Garland has been ruled out of Thursday night’s game with a left big toe injury. He has not played a consistent match since his return and there is no reason to believe he will do so any time soon this season.

Kawhi Leonard has a bad reputation among NBA fans due to his unfortunate injuries, but he has played in both halves of nine back-to-back sets during the 2025-26 regular season with the Clippers, demonstrating his ability to stay healthy and produce at a high level. In previous years, the Clippers have kept him out of back-to-back sets due to serious injuries, such as a torn ACL that ended his 2021 and 2022 postseasons, a torn meniscus that cut his 2023 postseason short, and knee inflammation that caused him to miss the 2024 postseason.

Leonard has been mostly healthy this season and has played in 54 of the Clippers’ 69 games so far. Leonard missed 10 of the 15 games due to a severe right ankle sprain he suffered in November. Despite suffering a left ankle injury against the Spurs, Leonard finished with his 45th straight game of 20+ points, surpassing Bob McAdoo and setting a new franchise record. Leonard scored 25 points with eight rebounds on 9-of-12 shooting from the field on Wednesday, extending his streak of 20+ point games to 46, the second-longest active streak behind Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“Passing McAdoo is a huge accomplishment,” Tyronn Lue recently said of Kawhi Leonard. “He was a really good player, great player, and it says a lot about Kawhi. When he’s healthy, you know, what he’s done this year is crazy. Someone asked the other day, ‘Have you seen anybody do that in their 14th season, which is more than what they’ve averaged their entire career?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m not surprised.’ Because I see the work he does every day. I see what he does every night to get on the floor and try to play. He plays as healthy as he is. And it may take him a long time to do so.

This season, the Clippers are 30-24 in the 53 games that Kawhi Leonard has played and 4-11 in the 15 games he has not played. They’re also 0-3 in the three games Leonard has missed due to injury in the fourth quarter – against the Heat, Lakers and Kings.

Leonard is averaging 28.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.0 steals, while shooting 50.4 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from three and 89.8 percent from the free-throw line. 28.2 points are the highest in his career.

The Clippers posted a 34–35 record, turning their season around and going 28–14 since starting the season 6–21. However, they have lost three games in a row and could face a fourth straight loss when they take on the Pelicans without Leonard and Garland.

clippers injury report

The Clippers have five players listed on the injury report for Wednesday’s game.

• Kawhi Leonard (left ankle sprain): Out
• Darius Garland (left toe injury management): out
• Bradley Beal (left hip fracture): Out
• Yannick Konan Niederhauser (right Lisfranc ligament rupture): out
• Benedict Mathurin (recovering from right toe injury): Out

pelicans injury report

The Pelicans have five players listed on the injury report for Wednesday’s game.

• Trey Alexander (G League – Two Way): Out
• Hunter Dickerson (G League – Two Way): Out
• Bryce McGowens (fractured right little toe): out
• Dejounte Murray (right Achilles injury management): out
• Josh Oduro (G League – Two Way): Out

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Clippers 124-109 in their last game on Wednesday night. Thursday’s game between the Clippers and Pelicans is the fourth and final meeting between the two teams this season.

The LA Clippers begin a three-game two-city road trip starting with the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. This is the fourth game in a difficult five-seven stretch for the Clippers.

Seven-time NBA All-Star Kawhi Leonard was unable to play in Monday night’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs after suffering a left ankle sprain suffered in Saturday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings. Leonard left the game in the fourth quarter, went back to the locker, and was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game. After the game, the Clippers announced that Leonard was suffering from a left ankle sprain and would be reevaluated before the upcoming three-game trip.

Here’s everything we know about Kawhi Leonard’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. the Pelicans.

Kawhi Leonard’s injury status vs. Pelicans

Kawhi Leonard was listed as “questionable” to play in the Clippers’ home contest against the Spurs, and was ultimately ruled out of the contest in the afternoon. Leonard is once again listed on the Clippers’ injury report for Wednesday, but he has already been upgraded to “questionable” against the Pelicans, the first night of back-to-back sets and the end of a five-game stretch.

If Leonard plays in Wednesday night’s game, it is highly unlikely that he will also play in Thursday night’s game against the Pelicans, given the franchise’s cautious history with the two-time NBA Finals MVP. Another factor to consider is that Darius Garland is also listed as “questionable” to play in Wednesday’s game. He has not played a consistent match since his return and there is no reason to believe he will do so any time soon this season.

Despite bad signs due to his unfortunate injuries, Kawhi Leonard has played in both halves of nine back-to-back sets during the 2025-26 regular season with the Clippers, demonstrating his ability to stay healthy and produce at a high level. In previous years, the Clippers have kept him out of back-to-back sets due to serious injuries, such as a torn ACL that ended his 2021 and 2022 postseasons, a torn meniscus that cut his 2023 postseason short, and knee inflammation that caused him to miss the 2024 postseason.

Leonard has been mostly healthy this season and has played in 53 of the Clippers’ 68 games so far. Of the 15 games Leonard missed, 10 were due to a severe right ankle sprain. Despite suffering a left ankle injury against the Spurs, Leonard finished with his 45th straight game of 20+ points, surpassing Bob McAdoo and setting a new franchise record. Leonard’s current streak is the second-longest active streak behind Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“Passing McAdoo is a huge accomplishment,” Tyronn Lue recently said of Kawhi Leonard. “He was a really good player, great player, and it says a lot about Kawhi. When he’s healthy, you know, what he’s done this year is crazy. Someone asked the other day, ‘Have you seen anybody do that in their 14th season, which is more than what they’ve averaged their entire career?’ And I said, ‘No, I’m not surprised.’ Because I see the work he does every day. I see what he does every night to get on the floor and try to play. He plays as healthy as he is. And it may take him a long time to do so.

This season, the Clippers are 30-23 in the 53 games that Kawhi Leonard has played and 4-11 in the 15 games that he has not played. They’re also 0-3 in the three games Leonard has missed due to injury in the fourth quarter – against the Heat, Lakers and Kings.

Leonard is averaging 28.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals, while shooting 50.3 percent from the field, 38 percent from three and 90.6 percent from the free-throw line. 28.3 points are a career high.

So far, the Clippers have posted a 34–34 record, turning their season around to 28–13 since starting the season 6–21.

clippers injury report

The Clippers have five players listed on the injury report for Wednesday’s game.

• Kawhi Leonard (sprained left ankle): Questionable
• Darius Garland (left toe injury management): Questionable.
• Bradley Beal (left hip fracture): Out
• Yannick Konan Niederhauser (right Lisfranc ligament rupture): out
• Benedict Mathurin (recovering from right toe injury): Out

pelicans injury report

The Pelicans have five players listed on the injury report for Wednesday’s game.

• Trey Alexander (G League – Two Way): Out
• Hunter Dickerson (G League – Two Way): Out
• Bryce McGowens (fractured right little toe): out
• Dejounte Murray (illness): Out
• Josh Oduro (G League – Two Way): Out

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 129-111 in their last game on Monday night. Wednesday night’s game represents the third of four matchups between the LA Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans.

Things haven’t been good in South Texas this week after the Houston Rockets were demolished by the Denver Nuggets. Now, the news may get even worse, as Alpern Sengun has filed an injury report against the New Orleans Pelicans, putting his status in doubt. The Pelicans are visiting the Rockets, and there is a possibility that Sengun will not play. Currently, he is dealing with lower back pain, which likely occurred during the loss to the Nuggets. Here’s everything we know about Alperen Sengun’s injury and his playing status against the Pelicans.

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alperen sengun injury status vs pelicans

Given that Alperen Sengun is questionable, there’s a legitimate possibility that he won’t suit up for this showdown with the Pelicans. This marks the second time he has been on the injury report this season, as Seungun suffered a foot injury earlier this season.

If Sengun had missed this game, he would have had an additional two days to recover before a big two-game home series against the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Rockets currently in fourth place in the Western Conference, these two games will be crucial for playoff positioning. Seungun is averaging 20.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for the Rockets.

Seungun has been mostly unavailable for the Rockets this season, missing seven games. If he misses this game, there’s a good chance he could compete for the Purple and Gold on Monday. Whether or not Seungun plays tonight is still up in the air, and that could be a true game-time decision.

Alex Sarr and Trae Young received positive news regarding their injury statuses for the Washington Wizards’ upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Young is in the eighth season of his NBA career, his first with the Wizards. He began the 2025–26 campaign with the Atlanta Hawks before they traded him to Washington in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. The four-time All-Star made his Wizards debut on March 5 against the Utah Jazz.

As far as Sarr is concerned, he is going through the second year of his career as the second overall selection of the 2024 NBA Draft. Making the All-Rookie team last season, he has improved to become a key player in the rotation.

According to reporter Josh Valdez, both players got updates on their injuries as Washington released its latest report on Saturday. While guys like Anthony Davis and Keyshawn George are out, Young and Sarr are not on the report due to any injuries or illnesses.

“Trae Young and Alex Sarr yesterday in New Orleans 👀,” Valdez wrote.

Trae Young, what’s next for the Wizards

It is great news for the Wizards to include two of their star players as Trae Young and Alex Sir will be available to play against the Pelicans.

Young played 19 minutes in his Wizards debut, scoring 12 points and six assists on 4 of 9 shooting from the field. Sarr has made significant progress as a sophomore in the league, averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this season.

Washington has a 16–46 record on the season and is in 13th place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers while trailing the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.

After seven consecutive losses, the Wizards will continue preparing for their matchup against the Pelicans on March 8 at 7 PM ET. After that, they’ll remain on the road as they face the Miami Heat on March 10 at 7:30 PM ET.

PHOENIX – Jalen Green seems to have found his rhythm at an important time for the Phoenix Suns. After struggling a bit at the slashing guard, he made up for it in a big way on Friday in a 118-116 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

He scored 25 points on 47% shooting from the field, along with five rebounds and two assists in the win. Although Green has hit game-winners for the Suns, his performances since the All-Star break have been lackluster by his standards.

One of the key questions is how his play will impact the attack as they try to establish momentum. Luckily, Green’s game is all about getting buckets, and he’ll stick to that philosophy.

When Green was asked about balancing the flow of the offense, he said, “I’m on board with it. I’m always looking to buy a bucket.” “Obviously, it’s been a struggle when you try to get one and it’s not falling off.

“I’m always about a bucket. Always about going out there and hunting my shots. What I want to do is get into the flow of aggression, and then once I get going, I can find my shot a little easier.”

Jalen Green tells me what he likes about the flow of the offense when he’s asked to create in isolation.

“I’m on board with it. I’m always about to buy a bucket. Obviously, it’s been a struggle when you try to get a bucket and it’s not falling over. I’m always about to have a bucket. Always about to go… pic.twitter.com/TAPijYVHVZ

– Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 7 March 2026

Suns teammates watch Jalen Green ‘buy a bucket’ every time

One of Green’s biggest supporters has been Colin Gillespie. The two have developed a quality rapport throughout the season, and it is paying off.

He mentioned how Gillespie has given him pointers on leading the second unit. Meanwhile, the latter noted how well Green has attacked and made himself comfortable in offensive and defensive rhythms.

When Green is in his offensive bag, Gillespie understands what the outcome will be.

“That’s who he is – a scorer,” Gillespie said. “I think he’s going to continue to feel it, feel the game and where people are… We love to see him do that and get to his spots and put the ball to the basket and get a lot of pressure at the rim.”

I asked Colin Gillespie about Jalen Green and how he finds his rhythm within the offense when he’s creating in isolation.

Green had 25 points on 47% shooting.

“That’s just who he is – a scorer. I think he’ll continue to feel it out, get game experience, and where guys are at… We feel good… pic.twitter.com/wGHIfIcqMt

– Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 7 March 2026

Green has remained confident since returning from his hamstring injury. But after a disappointing game just 24 hours earlier, they showed that this could be an ideal game.

A healthy mix of tough isolation buckets, playing above the rim, playmaking, and putting more pressure on the defense to get more open looks for his teammates.

The finally fully healthy New Orleans Pelicans are keeping things interesting to end an otherwise disappointing season. Stephen A. Aside from the scuffles with Smith and the officials, Zion Williamson’s diligent efforts have been worth defending recently. With Dejounte Murray back in the rotation, James Borrego’s last big push for a full-time job will keep Crescent City fans curious for a few more weeks. Reshaping the roster without moving on from Herb Jones could easily lead to trouble through the NBA Draft.

While the Pelicans have settled at point guard with Jeremiah Fears and Dejounte Murray, and hope to find experienced center depth to mentor Derrick Queen, Yves Messi and Carlo Matkovic, the wing remains a looming question mark. Trey Murphy III and Williamson remain franchise centerpieces, but the Alabama alumnus is no longer a young prospect, and the 27-year-old’s contract is also beginning to expire.

Having picks in the 30s, courtesy of the underperforming Milwaukee Bucks (26-35), is a ray of hope for a season that started with such promise. This is a very deep draft that will yield a gem or three. Finding another second-round wing to follow in Knott’s Herb’s footsteps should be a priority.

All-in on Amari Allen

Amari Allen might be the most obvious name to track for anyone familiar with Bay South hoops history. The Herb Jones similarities are almost too precise to ignore. Beyond the shared Alabama roots and jersey number #5, Allen’s game is built on the same foundation of toughness and defense. Nate Oakes continues to praise the rookie in a way that the Pelicans will definitely take notice.

“He’s playing really well, where people are recognizing he’s a 6-foot-7, 6-foot-8 guard who defends, rebounds, makes good decisions, doesn’t turn the ball over, plays on both sides of the ball,” Oats said. “There’s a lot to be said for that, and the NBA is looking for big guards who are multi-dimensional, who are tough.”

However, Allen’s developmental timeline is a little different. Jones entered the league as an older prospect with extensive college experience after four seasons at Alabama. Allen is a new player who is still learning the game but is making great progress. His length, athleticism and defensive instincts give him the type of switchable tool that NBA teams want on the wing.

Certainly still developing offensively, but the strong 20-year-old leads the Crimson Tide in rebounding (7.8 per game) and is third in scoring (11.7). The ability to guard multiple positions and impact the game in transition makes Allen an interesting long-term project if he ultimately declares.

Pelicans appreciate Neoklis Avdalas

Neoklis Avdalas is a rare 6-foot-9 ballhandler who offers unusual defensive versatility. The 20-year-old international can immediately initiate offense, help from the perimeter and defend in the frontcourt. Avdalas can hit open catch-and-shoot shots and is quick to run the floor in transition. His frame and instincts allow him to function as a weak-side small-ball center in some lineups. It doesn’t get more Herb Jones-esque than this.

That combination of length, defensive mobility and connective playmaking makes him one of the more interesting “toolbox” wings in the class. He may move more like Luka than Lowry, but has an All-Star ceiling enough for scouts to look hard. Think of a tall Tyler Herro type, but it’s hard to really score on him. For a Pelicans team that has relied heavily on Jones to erase matchups at various positions, Avadalas could translate well into a similar role.

juke harris listens to nba draft music

Harris has been one of the most surprising names in the 2026 class. Coming off a modest freshman season in which he averaged 6.1 points in 19 minutes per game, Harris has emerged as the true leader of Wake Forest’s offense, averaging 19.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game on 45.4 percent shooting from the field. He scored a career-high 38 points against Boston College in late February.

The Pelicans have taken notice. Standing at 6 foot 7 inches tall with good length, Harris uses angles and body control to finish through contact, moves well off the ball, and has expanded his ball-handling to create separation and in transition. The high basketball IQ is reflected in his spacing and defensive anticipation, where he disrupts passing lanes and defends multiple positions. James Borrego could use a rotation of all of these over the last few months.

The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with complications after a three-game losing streak a week ago left some fans nervous about the state of the team. However, since then the Lakers have won three straight games, including a 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.

It was a masterclass on the defensive end that paved the way for the Lakers to victory. They outscored the Pelicans 34–23 in the final frame, and had a stretch where they were getting their hands on the Pelicans’ ballhandler on every drive. This showed that a team can have an advantage on the defensive end when they have active hands and when they are locked in as a unit.

In fact, the win impressed Lakers head coach JJ Redick to such an extent that he compared to That’s the kind of wins they were getting earlier in the season as they started the 2025-26 campaign with a 15-4 record.

Redick said in his postgame presser, via Benjamin Royer of the Orange County Register, “To be honest, this isn’t a win we’ve had since probably November, where we’re down. We had a lot of early wins when we started 15-4, we had a lot of double-digit deficits in the second half and we stuck with it and kept playing. It was a good win for us to be able to do that again.”

JJ Redick on the Lakers’ 110-101 win over the Pelicans, comparing it to the team’s 15-4 win earlier in the season:

“Frankly, this is not a win that we have probably had since November.” pic.twitter.com/PaH8UG6NHO

– Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) 4 March 2026

Lakers match Pelicans’ physicality

Redick also credited Marcus Smart and Jackson Hayes for stepping up and helping the Lakers assert themselves defensively in the second half, leading to a comfortable win in the end.

Redick said, “The big emphasis for us in the pregame and on film was just our physicality. You have to match Zion’s physicality. Match Saddiq Bey’s physicality. I thought Smart was unbelievable tonight. When we got back into the game defensively in the second half, he and Jackson helped us win the game. They changed the game.”

The New Orleans Pelicans travel to Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night to face a Los Angeles Lakers team that has won each of its last three games. They have overturned a three-game losing streak on the back of some extremely impressive shooting and will look to extend their run against New Orleans.

For the Pelicans, a lot depends on the status of Zion Williamson, who claimed in his recent interview with ESPN that he is expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury. However, according to a post on X by ClutchPoints, this has proven enough to change his status to ‘doubtful’.

The Pelicans say Zion Williamson (right ankle sprain) is questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Lakers.

He recently told ESPN that he “hopes to be back” for the L.A. matchup. pic.twitter.com/XUxZMjPaEm

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 3 March 2026

Williamson suffered the injury during Friday’s win over the Utah Jazz and had to sit out Sunday’s 137-117 loss to the Clippers, a loss that snapped New Orleans’ four-game winning streak. Despite recent improvement, the Pelicans continue to struggle.

They are 19-43 for the season and are in 13th place in the Western Conference, ten wins away from the 10th-place Portland Trail Blazers and need a turnaround in fortunes to reach the postseason.

Zion Williamson’s injury status vs. Lakers

While the questionable tag is a concern, Zion himself expects to play, and barring any late incidents, fans can expect him to at least be involved off the bench.

Speaking to ESPN’s Malika Andrews on Monday, Williamson said,

“I look forward to being back tomorrow against the Lakers.”

Before suffering an ankle injury, Zion was in the midst of his most durable stretch as a professional, playing a career-high 35 consecutive games. On the season, he is averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting over 58% from the field overall.

Despite this, the Lakers (36-24) have found their rhythm and enter the night as winners of two straight blowouts. They have won nine of the last 10 meetings against New Orleans and are looking for another straight win at home.

pelicans injury report

Zion Williamson (sprained right ankle): Questionable

Trey Alexander (G-League Two-Way): Out

Hunter Dickinson (G-League Two-Way): Out

lakers injury report

nobody

The Utah Jazz host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Delta Center on Saturday night for the second consecutive game. The Pelicans won 129-118 last time out, with Sadiq Bey having a stellar performance of 42 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

The Pelicans have found momentum recently and are currently on a three-game winning streak. Regardless, the Jazz have once again added Keyonte George to the official injury list, as he is listed as questionable due to a right ankle sprain.

George last played for Utah in a loss against the Orlando Magic and is on the injured list along with several players including Lauri Markkanen, who is out with a strained right hip.
Stroke. Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jusuf Nurkic and Vince Williams Jr. are also out with various injuries.

For the Pelicans, Yves Missy is listed as questionable, while Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are officially out.

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Keyontae George injury status vs. Pelicans

George will once again be a game-time decision but his questionable status suggests he could also play a role. Given their recent form and their 18-41 record, they need to get their guard back fit as soon as possible.

This should be another fast-paced matchup like Thursday night when the Pelicans dispatched the Jazz in Salt Lake City. While both teams are currently tied for the bottom of the Western Conference, New Orleans (18-42) will be hoping to pick up another win.

The Pelicans have won four of their last six contests and if George is unable to play, Utah will once again have to rely on the poor second unit that has kept them afloat. The Jazz bench scored 61 points Thursday, including Ace Bailey’s 23 points and Bryce Sensabaugh’s 20 points.

However, Utah’s biggest obstacle remains their weak defense. The Jazz are currently surrendering 125.9 points per game and will need to be better than in recent weeks to have a chance.

jazz injury report

Keyonte George: Questionable (sprained right ankle)

Jaren Jackson Jr.: Out (recovering from left knee injury)

Walker Kessler: Out (recovering from left shoulder injury)

Lauri Markkanen: Out (right hip injury)

Jusuf Nurkic: Out (recovering from nose injury)

Vince Williams Jr.: Out (left knee injury management)

pelicans injury report

Yves Missi: doubtful (left calf strain)

Trey Alexander: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Hunter Dickinson: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Trey Murphy III: Out (right shoulder injury)

Dejounte Murray: Out (return to competition reconditioning)

The Utah Jazz host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night at the Delta Center. They come into this game off a three-game losing streak and are facing a team that has won their last two games against the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors.

Utah once again has several injury concerns. Markkanen is dealing with a right ankle sprain and a right hip injury after suffering an injury during practice, joining Keyonte George as questionable on the official injury list.

Players like Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic are out. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are in better shape in terms of injuries. Trey Murphy III and Yves Missy join Hunter Dickinson and Trey Alexander, who are both out on G League assignment.

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Lauri Markkanen remains a game-time decision despite playing with 29 points against the Rockets. The Jazz (18-40) are floundering and trying to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Pelicans (17-42) are starting to find their rhythm, having won two in a row and five of their last 10 games.

When healthy, Markkanen has been nothing short of spectacular. The Finnish star is averaging 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on the season. The offensive burden has fallen on George in George’s absence as both players have struggled with injuries. He is averaging 23.8 points and 6.5 assists per night.

The Jazz lost all three meetings to New Orleans last season, and may need their best player to avoid a similar fate in this first matchup of the current campaign.

jazz injury report

Keyonte George: Questionable (right ankle; sprain)

Jaren Jackson Jr.: Out (left knee; recovering from injury)

Walker Kessler: Out (left shoulder; recovering from injury)

Lauri Markkanen: Questionable (right ankle; sprain/right hip injury)

Jusuf Nurkic: Out (nose; recovering from injury)

Vince Williams Jr.: Out (left knee; injury management)

pelicans injury report

Trey Alexander: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Hunter Dickinson: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Yves Missy: out (left calf; strain)

Trey Murphy III: out (right shoulder; contusion)

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s road matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies due to management of a lower back injury, the team has announced in its latest injury report.

The Warriors (30-28) are set to conclude their two-game road trip against Memphis (21-35) with tipoff at 4:30 pm PT. Golden State enters the contest looking to bounce back after a 113-109 loss to the 17-win New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.

Green played 32 minutes in the loss, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks. He made 5 of 11 shots from the field and connected on one 3-pointer while serving as the primary facilitator in the half court.

The 35-year-old has appeared in 48 games this season, averaging 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 26.6 minutes per contest. He is shooting 41% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc. Green’s availability continues to be a key factor for a Warriors team that is nearing .500 as it strives for a playoff position in the Western Conference.

Draymond Green’s status headlines Warriors’ injury report vs. Grizzlies

Golden State also ruled out De’Anthony Melton for Wednesday’s game with a left knee injury. Melton scored a season-high 28 points in Tuesday’s loss, leading all scorers. He recorded four rebounds, three assists and one steal while shooting 8 for 20 from the field, 3 for 9 from 3-point range and 9 for 11 from the free-throw line in 28 minutes.

The 27-year-old guard is averaging 12.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 31 games, including seven starts. He is shooting 42.4% from the field and 29.1% from 3-point distance.

The Warriors’ full injury report includes:

• Jimmy Butler III – Outside (right ACL; surgery)
• LJ Cryer – Outside (G League – Two-Way)
• Seth Curry – Outside (left sciatic nerve irritation)
• Stephen Curry – Outside (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
• Draymond Green – Suspicious (Management of left lower back injury)
• D’Anthony Melton – Outside (left knee injury management)
• Kristaps Porzingis – Outside (Disease)
• Nate Williams – Outside (G League – Two-Way)

Following Wednesday’s contest, Golden State will return to San Francisco to host the Los Angeles Lakers (34-23) in a nationally televised game on ABC on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

If there was any hope that the understaffed, dysfunctional Golden State Warriors could regain some momentum after their disappointing win over the Denver Nuggets, it came crashing down in the bayou.

The Warriors lost badly to the New Orleans Pelicans, 113–109. Although the close score indicated a highly contested, competitive affair, it spoke more about the Dubs’ weak offensive performance in the first quarter, in which they made only 8 of 25 shots, which they ultimately could not overcome.

And while Moses Moody continued his consistent play with 24 points and five rebounds, and De’Anthony Melton exploded for 28 points in just 28 minutes, Pelicans star Zion Williamson proved unstoppable in the end with a team-high 26 points on 11 of 21 shooting. After the game, Steve Kerr evaluated the Dubs’ tremendous performance.

Kerr said, “I don’t know what ‘Down the Stretch’ got us. It was all 48 minutes.” “21 turnovers. We didn’t execute very well offensively. The spacing was bad. Transition, we had three potential layups in the first half. We didn’t run, we didn’t cut to the rim, we didn’t get to the corners. We just looked disjointed.”

The Warriors felt frustrated all night as bad basketball troubled them up and down the hardwood. Midway through the third quarter, the broadcast showed a heated exchange between Quinton Post and Brandin Podziemski as the two walked toward the bench, with Draymond Green having to step in between the two to stop things from escalating.

And while the Warriors had a chance to steal this game from the jaws of their poor play, unsurprisingly the aggression died down, and they couldn’t dig themselves out of the hole they dug for themselves.

Offense remains a problem without their stars

It’s no surprise that the Warriors’ offense has struggled with consistency lately. With Stephen Curry in a day-to-day funk due to his swollen runner’s knee, Jimmy Butler out for the season, and Kristaps Porzingis suffering from a nasty, undisclosed illness, Golden State lacks an on-ball creator or engine to center the offense.

Kerr has talked about the need for a “trigger” for the defense to struggle in the post, i.e., Curry’s snapping or Butler drawing double teams. But without him, they don’t have what it takes to lead a drought like the one they suffered against the Pelicans.

And sure, Melton can get penetration, and Moody can run around a screen off-ball, but in 48 minutes of play, they need more. What they did against Denver is certainly at the extreme end of what’s possible when everything is humming. But ultimately, an outing of sorts is required to keep everything running smoothly. That means no messy transitions, no missed opportunities.

For this, good movement of the ball and hitting open shots is required. And the Warriors didn’t do it in New Orleans.

“The game was perfect for us, we just couldn’t perform well enough,” Kerr said. “With the injuries we’ve had, we have to play well to win. And I don’t think we played well tonight.”

Resting Al Horford on the front end of the back-to-back certainly didn’t help, and they’ll bring him back against the Memphis Grizzlies. But help will not come soon. Curry’s re-evaluation won’t come until the end of the week, and knowing his tendency to lean conservative upon returns from injury, there will likely be a ramp-up process before he returns. Meanwhile, Porzingis may have the Warriors’ worst fear confirmed with this latest health scare.

The Dubs will look to bounce back with a game at Memphis in less than 24 hours.

Other notables

• To add insult to injury for the Dubs, Jonathan Kuminga looked quite comfortable in his Atlanta Hawks debut. 25 points, 7 rebounds on 9/12 FGs against the tanking Washington Wizards. It’s only one game, and against a bad team at that, but the Kuminga era in Atlanta is off to a good start.
• Porzingis did not make the trip south, ruling him out for Memphis. It is unknown what specifically caused his illness. He has a history of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which the Warriors were aware of when they traded for him, but the Warriors have not confirmed if this ongoing illness has anything to do with it. Kerr said the condition was so severe Sunday that Porzingis was unable to leave his hotel room.
• NBC Sports Bay Area has begun adding live graphics to its broadcasts. There are things like a gray circle hovering below who has the ball, names popping up whenever someone gets the ball, and a distance counter whenever someone shoots from deep. Looks like NBA 2K and it’s driving many viewers (including me) forward.

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 Golden State Warriors visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Anthony Davis as well as Draymond Green and Al Horford are also on the injury report, with both players listed as questionable. Green is dealing with a left lower back injury, while Horford is dealing with a left toe injury after scoring 22 points in a 128-117 win against the Denver Nuggets. Here’s everything we know about Draymond Green and Al Horford’s injuries and their game status vs. the Pelicans.

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Draymond Green injury status vs. Pelicans

Given that Draymond Green is on the injury report after missing Sunday’s game against the Nuggets, it’s likely he will be suiting up for Tuesday’s game. Horford, who played nearly 30 minutes in Sunday’s win, could potentially sit out. Green and Horford are a fixture on the injury report these days, but we could also see coach Steve Kerr add some older players over the age of 35 amid the Warriors’ extended injury list.

Perhaps Green is inspired by recent criticism of Kendrick Perkins, leading to the comeback against the Pelicans. Green has not played since the Warriors’ 121-110 loss to the Boston Celtics. Still, when it comes to the question of whether the Warriors’ Draymond Green will play tonight against the Pelicans, the answer is probably.

al horford injury status vs pelicans

In a nine-point upset win against the Nuggets, Warriors veteran Al Horford turned the tables with his 22-point performance. He finished with his most impressive performance of the season, with seven assists, three steals and two blocks, including 8-for-11 from the floor, 6-for-7 from deep.

Horford has not played in back-to-backs, meaning if the Warriors were to play him on Tuesday, he would sit for Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets, which is another reason he will probably miss Tuesday’s game. When it comes to the question of whether Al Horford is playing tonight against the Pelicans, the answer is probably no.

warriors injury report

Jimmy Butler III – Out – Right ACL; surgery

Seth Curry – Outside – Left Sciatic Nerve; irritated

Stephen Curry – Out – Right Patellofemoral;

Draymond Green – Questionable – Left lower back; injury management

Al Horford – Questionable – Left toe; Injury

D’Anthony Melton – Questionable – Left knee; injury management

Kristaps Porzingis – out – general illness

pelicans injury report

Yves Missy – outside – left calf; strain

Trey Murphy III – Outside – Right shoulder; Indigo

Dejounte Murray – Available – Right Achilles; Breakage

Mika PV – Outside – Big toe of right foot; Sprain

When Zion Williamson’s highly-touted New Orleans Pelicans began the season, Karlo Matkovic was not included as a key rotational piece. However, through sheer effort, physicality and an infectious team-first mentality, the young big man has put James Borrego in a welcome dilemma.

Matkovic’s steady growth from a fringe option to a reliable contributor has complicated lineup options, especially with multiple productive big men competing for minutes.

Matkovic is flirting with 10-point and 10-rebound nights more often, while shooting 46% from 3-point range (1.2 attempts per game). As of February 23, he has had at least two blocks in three of his last eight games. It is impossible to ignore the 24-year-old Croatian’s recent performances.

“He’s making it hard for me,” Borrego told ClutchPoints. “It’s hard to decide who we’re going to play with, who we’re not going to play with. We have a lot of guys that are playing well in the front court with (Derrick Queen, Yves Missy) and Carlo. (Kevon Looney) is a professional and he’s been there; then there’s also (Zion Williamson). Still, Carlo continues to impress on me through his effort, his physicality, his size and his ability to be a two-way player. Keeps pressing. Offensively, (Matkovic) plays with great pace, gets up the floor and can make threes.

However, what separates Matkovic from a typical young player fighting for minutes goes beyond the box score. Borrego has been particularly impressed with what the big man brings to the less measurable areas of the game.

“It’s all the intangibles, too. (Matkovic) doesn’t care if he scores or gets credit. That’s what you want to be as a team,” Borrego said. “Carlo is a team-first person.”

Matkovic’s emergence has largely come through consistent energy and reliability rather than headline-grabbing stat lines. Borrego suggests that that selfless character did not happen by accident.

Borrego admitted, “Somewhere at home, someone taught him well; he was raised well. He was coached well, and he has a sense of selflessness and a sense of team that I really like.” “It reflects in his play, and he continues to play with great confidence.”

Matkovic was not projected to be a regular part of the rotation when the season began. Yet every time he steps onto the floor, he gets another chance… and then another.

The Pelicans are crazy about Karlo Matkovic

Confidence, in fact, has been one of the most visible developments in Matkovic’s game as the workload has increased. The more he plays, the more natural he looks in an NBA setting.

“As you said, (Matkovic) looks more comfortable with more minutes,” Borrego acknowledged. “He’s earned it. It’s not been given to him. He wasn’t projected to start this season, but we put him in there. I trust him and believe in him. He knows that, and I don’t see him losing.”

Matkovic, the 52nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has offered an intriguing blend of modern big man skills. At 6-foot-10 with legitimate shooting range, he adds a cool, unselfish credibility that coaches want. If the Pelicans don’t pick up the $2.2 million club option, at least one team will value those attributes in free agency this summer.

Borrego doesn’t hide how much he values ​​that last part. In a league where egos can derail the locker room, Matkovic’s willingness to do the dirty work without needing the spotlight has made him a favorite of both the coaching staff and his teammates. The coach’s “difficult” decision is unlikely to be easy.

As long as Matkovic continues to bring the same effort, physicality and team-first mentality every night, the rebuilding Pelicans will need to keep finding ways to get him on the floor because right now, giving up on him feels like the wrong choice in both the short and long term. In a league always looking for shooting, size and unselfishness, Karlo Matkovic is proving to be a rare combination of all three. And he’s making James Borrego’s job extremely difficult in the process.

The honeymoon phase is officially over for Daryl Morey in the City of Brotherly Love. After Saturday night’s crushing 126-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Philadelphia 76ers faithful have been reached breaking point, and the target of their anger isn’t the players; This is the front office.

With Joel Embiid sidelined, the Sixers’ glaring lack of depth was exposed on national television. The Pelicans outscored Philadelphia 60–35 in the second half, turning a competitive game into a farce.

Tyrese Maxey did his best to keep the ship afloat with 27 points and six assists, but he got little help. Outside of Kelly Oubre Jr.’s 18 points, the Roosters looked hollow, especially on the glass, where they were out-rebounded 52-38.

Daryl Morey on Deadline pic.twitter.com/wTOIx01khz

– Alvin Yakitori (@AlvinYakit52962) 22 February 2026

Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse will soon be fired. pic.twitter.com/dZGVnmKV0H

– Sixers Scope (@SixersScope) 22 February 2026

Daryl Morey passes Jared McCann for a late first-rounder pic.twitter.com/ulFLYeTihA

– Kevin Rice (@TheKevinRice) 6 February 2026

Sellout teammates Josh Harris and Daryl Morey have destroyed this city’s basketball spirit pic.twitter.com/LGxxW9rzPG

– Rodney (@lukatroncic23) 22 February 2026

The lack of activity at the trade deadline has become a lightning rod for criticism. Fans took to social media and the Wells Fargo Center stand to voice their disappointment.

“Trill was chanting ‘Fire More’ like he was the Navy,” one fan said on X.

Sixers fans see Jared McCann flourish after Daryl Morey says “I bet we got traded” during trade https://t.co/DtGWXMbame pic.twitter.com/4LqotjmEEb

– Underdog (@underdog) 21 February 2026

Daryl Morey should be tied up in public and beaten until his buttocks are red https://t.co/kWZl7S9wpq

– Adam (@JMurrayWrld) 21 February 2026

Daryl Morey is actually the devil https://t.co/yf4d5VQg1T

– MastaMunsta (@MunstaMasta) 21 February 2026

Trill was doing the “Fire More” chant like it was the Navy https://t.co/H3hclXONhA

– Uncle Cost Fallacy (@NBABAbySecret) 22 February 2026

fire daryl morey

– Josephine (@china3rdbaseman) 22 February 2026

This sentiment was echoed across the board, with fans questioning the job security of both Morey and owner Josh Harris. One viral post said, “It’s really weird how bad Daryl Morey is at his job,” while another frustrated fan asked, “Why isn’t Josh Harris in jail? And why is Daryl Morey still employed?”

The 76ers have now lost four consecutive games, slipping even further down in the Eastern Conference standings. The overall construction of the roster around the aging and frequently injured Embiid is being questioned. If Moray doesn’t find a way to fix the holes in this ship soon, the “Fire Moray” chants will become louder.

Nick Nurse explains why the Philadelphia 76ers faltered in their disappointing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.

Nurse is in the eighth year of his head coaching career, his third year with the 76ers. He has kept the franchise stable while developing a young and emerging backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, keeping them in the playoff picture this season. However, the team performs poorly in some of its contests, most notably its latest loss to the Pelicans.

Nurse reflected on the loss after the game, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. He pointed to the shooting struggles from beyond the arc, noting how New Orleans took advantage of Philadelphia’s woes.

“We went 3-of-24 from three; Was quite difficult, wasn’t it?” The nurse said.

The Sixers faltered offensively and defensively in the matchup with the Pelicans, where Nick Nurse broke down. | @kia pic.twitter.com/4fw89F9u27

– NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) 22 February 2026

Nick Nurse, how the 76ers performed against the Pelicans

Nick Nurse and the 76ers have the talent to make a splash in the playoffs. However, their loss to the Pelicans shows they still have work to do to reach the next stage.

Four players, including Maxey, scored in double figures for Philadelphia in the loss. He finished with a stat line of 27 points, seven assists, five steals and three rebounds. He shot 9 of 23 from the field, including 2 of 11 from beyond the arc and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line. Kelly Oubre Jr. was next with 25 points and five rebounds, VJ Edgecombe had 14 points and five rebounds, while Quentin Grimes added 11 points and three assists.

Philadelphia improved to a 30–26 record on the season and finished sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, while trailing the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers.

After four consecutive losses, the 76ers will look to get back into the win column in their next match. They remain on the road when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 22nd at 7pm ET.

Tyrese Maxey had a clear message for his Philadelphia 76ers team after their disappointing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.

Maxi is halfway through his sixth season in the NBA with the 76ers. He worked his way up the ranks to become one of the best guards in the league, helping the 76ers remain steadfast as a playoff contender. However, they are vulnerable to the unexpected loss they suffered against the Pelicans.

Maxey reflected on the loss after the game, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. He commented on how he and the team needed to control the pace from start to finish while dealing with the ups and downs of the competition.

“It’s going to take a lot. You know what I mean. As soon as you dig yourself a hole, only America can get out of it. You know what I mean? Like we’re in this thing together? You know what I mean, through the highs, through the lows, through the peaks, through the valleys. You know what I mean? We’ve said that since day one, and it’s that way. We really Played a good half, then we got off to a good start in the third, honestly. And you know, it’s hard to get that momentum back, but it’s too late.

“It’s going to take a lot.”

Maxi expressed that only the team can dig themselves out of this hole. | @fultonbank pic.twitter.com/vHzTQ45xSt

– NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) 22 February 2026

Tyrese Maxey, how the 76ers played against the Pelicans

Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers will be active in the playoff picture this season. However, their latest loss to the Pelicans leaves questions to answer for them moving forward.

Four players, including Maxey, scored in double figures for Philadelphia in the loss. He finished with a stat line of 27 points, seven assists, five steals and three rebounds. He shot 9 of 23 from the field, including 2 of 11 from beyond the arc and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line. Kelly Oubre Jr. was next with 25 points and five rebounds, VJ Edgecombe had 14 points and five rebounds, while Quentin Grimes added 11 points and three assists.

Philadelphia improved to a 30–26 record on the season and finished sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, while trailing the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers.

After four consecutive losses, the 76ers will look to get back into the win column in their next match. They remain on the road when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 22nd at 7pm ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers remained mostly quiet at the NBA trade deadline, making a small move by sending Gabe Vincent and a pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Luke Kennard. While Kennard has performed well in his first few games in Los Angeles, he is unlikely to significantly change the course of the Lakers’ 2025-26 season.

After an early playoff exit, which many anticipate will be in a matter of months, the Lakers will have more flexibility to remodel a sensible roster around Luka Doncic, and recently, ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel broke down a name Los Angeles could pursue to add to their frontcourt depth.

“One team we reported on last year that had interest in Yves Missy is the Los Angeles Lakers. They’re hitting the market looking for a center, and maybe they can get Missy at a cheap price for a first-round pick,” Seagal said on Clutch Scoops, according to Ax, formerly of ClutchPoints on Twitter.

The New Orleans Pelicans tossed Messi’s name around in trade rumors leading up to the deadline, notably having talks with the Chicago Bulls, but ultimately made no move regarding their 2024 first-round draft selection.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have been linked to dating Missy since last summer.

Missy would certainly provide an upgrade over Deandre Ayton and Jackson Hayes in the Lakers’ frontcourt, as he checks a lot of the same boxes that Derek Lively II and Daniel Gafford did as Doncic’s partners with the Dallas Mavericks.

Aside from the trade market, the Lakers should have plenty of room for free agency signings in the offseason when LeBron James is either off the books or back on a significantly reduced contract. Currently, the Lakers have not been able to build a real contender around Doncic, because he and James are receiving huge salaries.

In any case, the Lakers will next be at home against the crosstown rival Los Angeles Clippers on Friday evening.