NOVEMBER 10: Murphy told reporters today that he expects to play on Monday, while head coach Willie Green said the team wants to ensure Murphy makes it through shootaround without any setbacks before he’s officially cleared, tweets Andrew Lopez of ESPN.
Murphy will be officially listed as questionable for Monday’s contest, but the expectation is that he’ll be upgraded tomorrow if all goes to plan, Lopez adds.
NOVEMBER 9: Pelicans wing Trey Murphy is targeting Monday against the Nets for his season debut from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since early October, NBA insider Chris B. Haynes reports (Twitter link).
We noted on Thursday that Murphy was recently upgraded from out to doubtful on the injury report, signaling that he was nearing a return.
The 3-7 Pelicans were expected to be a playoff contender this season, but they’ve dealt with a plethora of injuries in their backcourt and wing position groups. Murphy, Jordan Hawkins, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum and Herbert Jones are among the players who have faced or are currently facing multi-week absences. Zion Williamson has also missed time.
Without some of their key contributors, they’ve had to rely on their depth in the early parts of the season. Two-way waiver claim Brandon Boston Jr. has started three games, impressing and averaging 12.7 points per game on a .508/.391/.875 shooting line in the early part of the season. Jose Alvarado, Javonte Green and Jaylen Nowell have also received significant playing time.
Murphy broke out over the past two seasons after being drafted with the No. 17 overall pick in 2021. Since his rookie season, he’s averaged 14.6 points while shooting 39.4% on 6.9 three-point attempts per game in 136 appearances. He agreed to a four-year, $112MM extension before the season.
Having Murphy back should help the Pelicans take a step toward regaining their footing in the Western Conference.
Either this player’s nickname is redundant, or the “III” is.