New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado is nearing a return after a lengthy absence, according to the injury report ahead of the team's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been without a couple of key pieces over the past few weeks, but are slowly getting them back. Herb Jones returned to the lineup on Friday, and now Jose Alvarado has been upgraded on the injury report.
Here is the full Pelicans injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs:
Jose Alvarado (left oblique strain) - Questionable
Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture) - Out
Trey Alexander (G-League two-way) - Out
Hunter Dickinson (G-League two-way) - Out
Alvarado has been out for the past nine games with his oblique strain. There hasn't been a lot of information about his recovery, but it looks like there has been some positive movement as of late.
The 27-year-old is averaging 7.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 42.4/36.1/82.6 shooting splits this season, but his impact is far larger than just what the box score says.
He brings energy off the bench, is a smart guard and comes through in clutch moments. Even while hurt, he has remained very active with his teammates.
Alvarado is one of the players that most people expect to get traded in the next couple of weeks. It could be easier now that he is getting healthier.
Here is how things look for the Spurs:
Luke Kornet (left adductor tightness) - Questionable
David Jones Garcia (G-League two-way) - Out
Stanley Umude (G-League two-way) - Out
Harrison Ingram (G-League two-way) - Out
Kornet is actually a player to watch as he had a huge impact the first time that these two teams played this season, with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Pelicans will play in San Antonio at 6:00 pm CT on Sunday.