Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram has sustained a “significant” low left ankle sprain and will be out indefinitely, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN.
Ingram, 27, suffered the injury early in the third quarter of Saturday’s loss to Oklahoma City. While driving into the lane, Ingram rose up for a shot and was whistled for an offensive foul after his elbow appeared to hit Luguentz Dort, who fell to the ground (YouTube link). Ingram’s left foot landed on Dort’s right foot, causing his ankle to roll. He had to be helped off the court by his teammates.
According to Charania, Ingram left the Smoothie King Center — New Orleans’ home arena — in a walking boot and crutches.
Ingram helped the Pelicans snap a nine-game losing streak on Thursday vs. Phoenix by scoring a game-high 29 points, only to suffer the ankle sprain in his second game back after missing the previous five contests with a right leg injury.
It’s yet another setback for the Pelicans, who have dealt with numerous injuries to key players this season, and for Ingram, who has been sidelined by various injuries throughout his nine-year career. The former No. 2 overall pick will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
In 18 games this season (33.1 minutes), Ingram has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists, with a shooting line of .465/.374/.855. Due in large part to their crushing wave of injuries, the Pelicans are just 5-19, last place in the Western Conference.
With Ingram out and Zion Williamson (hamstring), Jose Alvarado (hamstring) and Jordan Hawkins (back) still sidelined, Trey Murphy will likely slide back into the starting lineup, with Javonte Green and Brandon Boston among the other candidates for more shots and minutes.
Can not make this up
I feel sorry for the coach he will take blame for a bad year with so many injuries.
Team is just cursed…
At this point just close the team bro
Thank god, sick of his name in trade rumors, he’s a 3rd guy, not a 2nd or 1st. Overrated.
When you BANK on the wrong guy. You all go broke. Should have drafted Ja…… I’m the owner. I clean house and bank on the draft.
NO has the 11th highest payroll in NBA 180 mill.
Trade Murray, Missi, Karlo and Green with picks 2nds to Brooklyn for Claxton and Finney-Smith or Watford. Brooklyn figures out the roster crunch
Waive Robinson-Earl
Sign Fultz and E Payton
Promote Brandon Boston
Murray’s contract looks horrible right now with his regressed play. I take all the trade CJ McCollum talk. Sorry CJ. Trade Murray fast
Stalling to trade Ingram and now look???? Pels are indeed clueless.
All they need is a starting C. They should trade Murray. Look at his contact and his regressed play. They should trade him fast for a C