On Wednesday evening, the Pelicans opened the 2024-25 season at home against the Bulls, but it was marred by a series of setbacks. To begin with, star forward Zion Williamson was out of the lineup due to illness. Trey Murphy III, who had been dealing with a hamstring injury, also didn’t suit up. Then, in the final two minutes of their 123-111 win, starting point guard Dejounte Murray suffered a hand injury.
Murray, who was acquired by the Pelicans in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks during the offseason, was forced to leave the game after a left hand fracture. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Murray will be out for an extended period of time, dealing a significant blow to the team’s already injury-depleted roster.
Murray’s injury came late in the game, when he attempted a three-pointer and fell to the ground. He was able to take his free throws, but did not return to the contest. His 14 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists in 40 minutes of play were almost enough to secure a triple-double, a testament to his significant impact on the game.
With Murray sidelined for the foreseeable future, Jose Alvarado is a likely candidate to start in his place. Alvarado, who has played 172 games and made 11 starts over his four seasons with the Pelicans, may be joined by C.J. McCollum in the starting lineup. However, the team may opt for a bigger lineup, with McCollum at point guard and Trey Murphy, who is due to return from his hamstring injury, at shooting guard.
The Pelicans will have to cope with the loss of their new star point guard, but managed to eek out a win in their season opener. Brandon Ingram led the team with 33 points, and the Pelicans will look to bounce back from this blow when they face the Portland Trail Blazers on the road on Friday night.
