After spending the last two months on the shelf due to a toe injury, Brandon Ingram will be available for the Pelicans on Wednesday night when they host the Timberwolves, barring any last-minute setbacks, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Ingram has been limited to just 15 games so far this season after sustaining a contusion affecting the big toe on his left foot during a November 25 loss in Memphis. Prior to the injury, he was his usual productive self for the ascendant Pelicans, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 32.1 minutes per game on .472/.467/.868 shooting.
Ingram’s return couldn’t come at a better time for New Orleans. The team got off to an 18-8 start this season, but has struggled in recent weeks with Ingram unavailable and Zion Williamson dealing with his own health ailments.
The Pelicans have lost 10 of their lost 13 games, including their last five, and are now just 26-22. They still hold the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, but their margin of error has disappeared — the nine teams currently holding the Nos. 5-13 seeds in the West are all within four games of New Orleans.
With Williamson ruled out for at least two more weeks, getting Ingram back should give the Pelicans a shot in the arm as they look to snap their losing streak and hang onto their top-four spot in the conference standings.
They definitely need Brandon Ingram back. He’s their second best player. I love to see my Duke guys having success in the NBA. Coach K groomed up so many great players. I’m hoping and praying that Jon Scheyer can do the same with the program and the players.
Hoping and praying? You may be waiting a while.