New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is facing an indefinite absence after sustaining a high-grade left ankle sprain during Saturday night’s 119-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team announced the injury on Sunday, emphasizing that his return timeline will depend on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation.
The 27-year-old All-Star sprained his ankle after landing awkwardly on Thunder forward Lu Dort’s foot while attempting a jump shot. The play also resulted in an offensive foul as Ingram’s elbow inadvertently struck Dort during the motion.
Dolorosa lesin de rodilla de Brandon Ingram que ha estremecido a la NBA
A painful fall for Ingram
Ingram, who had recently returned from a five-game absence due to right plantar tendinitis, was visibly in pain and had to be helped off the court. He later exited the arena wearing a walking boot and using crutches.
The injury marks a significant blow to the Pelicans, especially given Ingram’s importance to the team. Averaging 22.2 points per game this season, Ingram had just scored 29 points in his comeback game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, snapping the Pelicans‘ nine-game losing streak.
Another chapter in a season of setbacks
The Pelicans‘ injury struggles have been a recurring theme this season. Despite having three former All-Stars Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Dejounte Murray on their roster, the trio has yet to play a single game together.
Saturday’s game highlighted the team’s challenges. Ingram was limited to just five points on 1-of-4 shooting before his injury, and New Orleans found themselves trailing by 26 at halftime.
Ingram’s absence comes as a major hurdle for a team already fighting to regain momentum in a highly competitive Western Conference. While the Pelicans await updates on Ingram’s recovery, the coaching staff will need to rely on a depleted roster to navigate the weeks ahead.
Can the Pelicans rally without Ingram?
As New Orleans looks to regroup, the focus will shift to players like Zion Williamson and Murray to fill the void left by Ingram. However, with injuries derailing any chance of consistency, the Pelicans face an uphill battle in their quest to remain playoff contenders.
For now, fans and teammates alike hope for a speedy recovery for their star forward.
