New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is set to miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on a fractured left hand, according to reports from NBA insider Shams Charania.
The injury occurred during the Pelicans’ season opener against the Chicago Bulls, where New Orleans clinched a 123-111 victory.
Murray put up 14 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in his Pelicans debut before being sidelined in the fourth quarter. The 27-year-old guard was instrumental in the team’s season opener, helping to offset the absence of Zion Williamson, who missed the game due to illness.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans’ offense, scoring 33 points and keeping New Orleans in control throughout the game. CJ McCollum also delivered a solid performance with 23 points, contributing critical shots during the second half to secure the win.
The injury to Murray poses an early-season challenge for the Pelicans as they look to build momentum in a competitive Western Conference. Losing Murray’s playmaking and defensive presence will test the depth of the Pelicans’ roster, as the guard’s absence will likely increase reliance on Ingram and McCollum for extended minutes and increased production.
Murray’s four-to-six-week recovery timeline means he could return by mid-to-late November, which would give the Pelicans an opportunity to reintegrate him ahead of a challenging winter stretch. Until then, the Pelicans will need to rely on their depth and veteran experience to remain competitive in his absence.
