Fourth-year guard Jose Alvarado of the Pelicans, who has been sidelined since November 11 due to a left hamstring strain, has reached the same stage of rehabilitation as Zion Williamson.
Both players have entered the “return-to-play conditioning” phase of their recovery processes, a key step toward returning to action. Alvarado is expected to resume full practices next week, with his status evaluated on a week-to-week basis as he works toward game readiness.
In more recent injury news, swingman Trey Murphy sustained a left ankle injury during Sunday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. Fortunately, the injury has been diagnosed as a mild sprain and isn’t considered serious.
Murphy is listed as day-to-day and could return to the lineup shortly, providing the Pelicans with some relief amidst their growing list of injuries.
Rookie big man Karlo Matkovic, out since December 1 due to a low back disc protrusion, is also making progress in his recovery. He has entered the return-to-play conditioning phase and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis as he aims to rejoin the team.
Matkovic’s absence has limited New Orleans’ depth in the frontcourt, but his potential return could offer some additional rotational options for the Pelicans as they navigate this challenging stretch of the season.
With multiple players in various stages of recovery, the Pelicans are cautiously optimistic about reinforcements on the horizon. However, the team remains in a delicate position, relying heavily on its depth while awaiting the return of key contributors.
Latest On Zion, Ingram, Other Injured Pelicans https://t.co/oVIGSaP27B pic.twitter.com/O6xaOYCsvy
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 24, 2024
