The New Orleans Pelicans have had back-to-back tough losses to contending teams and now they prepare to take on the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, with some players hitting the injury report that could be viewed as surprising.
Here was the report released by the Pelicans:
Trey Alexander (G League two-way) - Out
Hunter Dickinson (G League two-way) - Out
Bryce McGowens (toe fracture) - Out
Josh Oduro (G League two-way) - Out
Trey Murphy (right ankle sprain) - Questionable
Dejounte Murray (injury management) - Questionable
Given that this is the front end of a back-to-back, the Pelicans must decide whether or not they want Murray in this one or on Friday against the Toronto Raptors. A lot of that could depend on who the Pistons end up having active.
Murphy's ankle sprain is new. He played 36 minutes in their last game. It's unclear right now how serious it is, but it looks like there is a chance he will go. He could opt to just wait for the second half of the back-to-back, but it would be a huge loss against this talented Detroit roster.
The Pistons won't submit their report for this game until early on Thursday, given that they have a game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. However, here is the report as it stood before that game:
Cade Cunningham (lung) - Out
Marcus Sasser (hip strain) - Out
Isaiah Stewart (calf strain) - Out
Jalen Duren (sore knee) - Available
Javonte Green (ankle sprain) - Available
Isaac Jones (G League two-way) - Available
Bobi Klintman (G League) - On Assignment
Chaz Lanier (G League two-way) - On Assignment
Tolu Smith (G League two-way) - Available
Duren is back on Wednesday and has not missed a game, but it could be difficult to play on a back-to-back. Cunningham is out and won't even be re-evaluated for around another week. Stewart has missed the last five games.