The New Orleans Pelicans are back home, and fans are hoping a return to the Smoothie King Center will end the team’s current downward spiral. The Pelicans host the Phoenix Suns Thursday night, looking to snap a nine-game losing streak that has been tough to watch.
The Suns sit in sixth place in the Western Conference with a 12-8 record. They’ve won two straight, including an NBA Cup victory over the Spurs, but they’ll be without Kevin Durant, who suffered an ankle injury Tuesday. Phoenix is still dangerous with Devin Booker, and the Pelicans will have their hands full.
Will the Pelicans Get Reinforcements?
Good news may be on the horizon for New Orleans fans. Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones are listed as questionable for Thursday’s game. Ingram hasn’t played since November 22 due to calf issues, while Jones has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since late October. Both were full participants in practice this week, and head coach Willie Green sounded optimistic about their return.
“It’s huge for our team,” Green said about Jones possibly rejoining the lineup. “Herb is one of our leaders. He puts out fires on defense and plays our style of basketball. Having him and Brandon back would be a big boost for us.”
The Pelicans have missed Jones’ defensive intensity. Since his injury, the team has completely fallen off, dropping from sixth in defensive rating last season to 28th this year. His return won’t solve all of the Pelicans’ problems on defense, but they will undoubtedly be better with Herb back on the court.
Rough Stretch for the Pels
This season has been a brutal grind for New Orleans. Injuries have robbed the Pelicans of any lineup continuity, with Zion Williamson, Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins, and several others missing extended time. As a result, the Pelicans are stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 4-18 record, including 11 straight road losses.
The offense has been an embarrassment, averaging just 103.3 points per game—second-worst in the league. On defense, the Pelicans give up 116 points a night and lose by more than 17 points per game.
There has been one notable bright spot. Rookie center Yves Missi has outperformed expectations, leading all NBA rookies with five double-doubles. Against Atlanta on Monday, Missi had the best game of his young career, putting up 23 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 11-for-14 from the field.
“He’s been a bright spot,” Green said of Missi. “He works hard, and it’s showing on the court.”
CJ McCollum has also been playing well since returning from injury, averaging nearly 23 points per game. If the Pelicans can get Ingram and Jones back, McCollum and Missi may finally get some help. It could also open up opportunities for Trey Murphy, who has yet to find his stroke, particularly from beyond the arc. Murphy, averaging a career-best 17.3 points per game, is shooting a career-low 38.8% from the floor, including only 30.7% from three-point range.
Dejounte Murray has really struggled in his four games since returning from injury. The Pelicans point guard is averaging 13.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.8 steals, and 4.3 turnovers, but has made only 18 of his 66 (27.3%) shot attempts.
What to Expect from Phoenix
The Suns will be missing key players too, with Durant and Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) both sitting this one out. Even so, Devin Booker has continued to prove himself as one of the best offensive players in the NBA, averaging 25 points and nearly seven assists per game. Booker has historically lit up the Pelicans, averaging 31 points in his last 11 matchups against New Orleans.
The Suns’ defense has been mediocre, allowing 112.9 points per game, though they rank fourth in defensive rebounding. Phoenix will look to exploit New Orleans’ second-half woes—the Pelicans have an NBA-worst -18.4 net rating after halftime.
Why This Game Matters
The Pelicans are desperate for a win, and with two home games this week, they cannot afford to waste this chance to end this skid. It won’t get easier, though. After facing Phoenix, New Orleans will host the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
This stretch could also finally offer a glimpse of what the team looks like when healthy. If Ingram and Jones can return, the Pelicans could compete and make things interesting against Phoenix.
Let’s see if New Orleans can rise to the occasion and ground the Suns, or does the losing streak reach double digits?
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Phoenix Suns | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Tyus Jones | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Devin Booker | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Bradley Beal | F – Javonte Green |
| F – Kevin Durant | F – Trey Murphy |
| C – Oso Ighodaro | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Ingram (right plantaris tendonitis) and Herb Jones (right shoulder strain) are QUESTIONABLE. Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (lumbar spine annular fissure), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Phoenix Suns: Ryan Dunn (ankle) is PROBABLE. Kevin Durant (ankle), Collin Gillespie (ankle), and Jusuf Nurkic (right thigh contusion) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (4-18) vs Phoenix Suns (12-8)
Season Series:
- Dec. 5: Pelicans vs. Suns
- Feb. 27: Pelicans @ Suns
- Feb. 28: Pelicans @ Suns
Series History: The Pelicans are 35-40 all-time vs. the Suns. New Orleans has lost three of four against Phoenix, though the Pelicans won the most recent meeting on Apr. 7 last season.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Dec. 5, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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