The New Orleans Pelicans’ nightmare season just got worse. Dejounte Murray’s torn Achilles isn’t just another injury—it’s a devastating blow to a team struggling to stay afloat. With Murray out for the year and likely part of next season, the Pelicans’ backcourt depth takes another major hit. Now, Jose Alvarado and CJ McCollum will have to take over as playmakers, with Alvarado stepping into a much larger role as the team’s only true point guard.
The Pelicans also lost one of their top rebounders, as Murray ranked second on the team in total rebounds (200) and third in rebounding average (6.5). That’s devastating to a team that sits 24th in the NBA on the glass.
Meanwhile, after an insane weekend, trade talks are raging ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. The Pelicans have reportedly inquired about Miami’s Jimmy Butler, with Brandon Ingram at the center of discussions. New Orleans has also engaged with the Raptors and Hawks regarding Ingram, but it doesn’t seem like any deal is ready to pop. Given the team’s disappointing record, any move taken by David Griffin and the front office would likely be focused on the Pelicans’ future rather than trying to salvage this season.
Still, the Pelicans must focus on the problem at hand, a two-game series against the Denver Nuggets starting Monday night. Nikola Jokić continues to play at an MVP level, averaging a triple-double (29.6 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 10.1 APG), while Jamal Murray has started to look more like the player he’s paid to be as the season progresses. The Nuggets have won six of their last 10 and a decent bench even with Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson sidelined.
New Orleans, meanwhile, enters tonight’s game on a five-game losing streak, their fourth of at least five games this season. Trey Murphy III has been the best player for the Pelicans all month, averaging 25.1 points in January, including a 40-point explosion against Boston. In two games against the Nuggets this season, Murphy has averaged 19.0 points (.516 FG%, .333 3P%) and 8.0 rebounds. If the Pelicans have any shot at keeping up with Denver, they’ll need a big night from Murphy, especially with Ingram, Herb Jones, and now Murray all out.
Zion Williamson, who missed Friday’s game due to illness, is expected to return, setting up an intriguing matchup with Jokić. Williamson has yet to face the Nuggets this season and his size and explosiveness should test Denver’s defense. Throughout his career, Zion has had some of his best games against the Nuggets and has averaged 25.3 points over his last four visits to the Mile High City. At the same time, Alvarado’s defensive tenacity will be critical against Jamal Murray, as the Pelicans try to slow down Denver’s offense.
With the trade deadline looming, this could be the last game before some major roster changes. For Pelicans fans, the real drama may be happening off the court as much as on it.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Denver Nuggets | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Jamal Murray | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Christian Braun | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Michael Porter Jr. | F – Javonte Green |
| F – Aaron Gordon | F – Trey Murphy |
| C – Nikola Jokic | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Denver Nuggets: Vlatko Cancar (left knee), DaRon Holmes (right Achilles rupture), Petyon Watson (knee), and Russell Westbrook (hamstring) are OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jordan Hawkins (non-Covid illness) and Daniel Theis (right thumb sprain) are QUESTIONABLE. Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), and Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (12-37) vs Denver Nuggets (30-19)
Season Series:
- Nov. 15: Pelicans def. Nuggets, 101-94.
- Dec. 22: Nuggets def. Pelicans, 132-129
- Feb. 3: Pelicans at Nuggets
- Feb. 5: Pelicans at Nuggets
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 33-44 all-time against the Denver Nuggets and have won two of the last four. New Orleans last won in Denver on Mar. 30, 2023.
Where: Ball Arena
When: Feb. 3, 8:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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