The Pelicans head into Friday’s NBA Cup matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies carrying plenty of injury uncertainty, and Trey Murphy III is right in the middle of it.
New Orleans is trying to stop a four-game skid after getting blown out by the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, a 34-point loss that left the home crowd with little to celebrate. Murphy missed that game because of a knee injury, and the Pelicans clearly felt his absence. His blend of scoring and defense gives them a different gear, especially on nights when they need someone who can help on both ends.
For Friday, Murphy is listed as doubtful in the NBA’s injury report. He’s been averaging 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals. Also doubtful for New Orleans are Bennedict Mathurin, Bryce McGowens, and Yves Missi.
Mathurin is dealing with a right thumb sprain, McGowens has a left elbow infection, and Missi is listed with a left knee contusion/bone bruise. Murphy’s injury is listed as bilateral patellar tendinopathy.
If those four are unable to go, the Pelicans will have to lean hard on the players available. Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, and Jeremiah Fears are expected to shoulder the bulk of the work, with Karlo Matkovic, Herbert Jones, Derik Queen, and Jordan Poole also in the mix.
New Orleans is also dealing with some noise off the floor after Murray posted a cryptic tweet about “inside sabotage” following the loss to Brooklyn. The post has since been deleted.
Memphis, though, is not exactly arriving at full strength either. The Grizzlies will be without Zach Edey and five other players on Friday, leaving them short-handed as well.
The records tell the story of where both teams stand entering the night: the Pelicans are 4-8, while the Grizzlies are 7-4 and unbeaten on the road at 5-0.
New Orleans’ injury report also includes Malik Dia as questionable with a right thumb sprain, Jaron Pierre Jr. as questionable on a two-way contract, and Trendon Watford out with a right ankle sprain.
For Memphis, the absences are Zach Edey with left ankle injury management, Karim Lopez on G League assignment, Jahmai Mashack on a two-way contract, Scotty Pipper Jr. with a lumbar disc herniation, Quinten Post in concussion protocol, and Richie Saunders out after right knee surgery.
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