New Orleans Pelicans Make Major Injury Announcement After Celtics Game

The New Orleans Pelicans made an official announcement on Dejounte Murray

Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) shoots during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images / Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans revealed some grim news after their 118-116 defeat to the Boston Celtics on Friday. An MRI confirmed that starting point guard Dejounte Murray suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Murray injured himself during a non-contact play in the first quarter after going for a loose ball.

Injuries have decimated the Pelicans this season, with significant injuries to Murray, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, and others. The trio of Murray, Williamson, and Ingram did not play a single game together this season, and with the trade rumors surrounding Ingram, they may never get a chance to.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that guard Dejounte Murray has been diagnosed with a ruptured right Achilles tendon. An MRI taken last night confirmed the injury, which occurred during the first quarter of last night’s game against the Boston Celtics.

Murray will miss… pic.twitter.com/1WBFlaXgmp

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 1, 2025

Murray figured to be a key piece to helping New Orleans get past the first round of the playoffs this season. The Pelicans have made the playoffs in two of the last three seasons but failed to advance past the opening round. Many thought adding a dynamic, two-way guard like Murray would alleviate some pressure on Williamson and Ingram to make plays down the stretch.

New Orleans was one of the worst clutch teams in the NBA last season. They were 0-27 on the year when trailing after three quarters. Meanwhile, Murray excelled in the clutch, averaging the third-most clutch points with the Atlanta Hawks last season. The Pelicans traded away Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance, Jr. Cody Zeller, E.J. Liddell, and two future first-round picks to acquire Murray.

Jose on Dejounte's injury pic.twitter.com/khB2S7tjw7

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 1, 2025

The former Washington standout fractured his left hand in the Pelicans season opener against the Chicago Bulls. Murray had hand surgery and missed over a month recovering from the injury. He returned to the lineup but started off slow. However, as of late, he picked up his offensive production. Murray scored 27 or more points in three of his last four games. New Orleans is now 12-37 on the season.

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