NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is close to returning after missing more than a year with a torn Achilles.
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Murray last played Jan. 31, 2025, before suffering the injury that sidelined him for over a year.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) reacts after being hurt in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)(Gerald Herbert | AP)
Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said after practice Tuesday that Murray has been a full-go at practice and is “close” to playing in a game. He is listed as out for Friday night’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, but Borrego expects him to return within the next week.
“When he does make his return, his leadership is expected to have a massive impact on this team,” Borrego said. “Having that poise out there, someone that can be our commander, our general, getting us in sets, it should fit with what we’re doing right now. You know, I think it’s just seamless now that he enters that puzzle and he gets us in the right sets. He knows… you can just feel him out here on the floor. He knows where to get the ball, who to get the ball to at the right time. I think what will be really encouraging for all of us to watch is just to end the game with him as well. Whether he’s in there or not, I don’t know. We’ll have to get to those moments with him. But he’s a guy that’s closed out games. He’s been a clutch-type player. He allows us to settle the gym in the last three to five minutes and run good offense and defend at a high level. So, he’s a heck of a player.”
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For Friday night’s game, three Pelicans are listed as out. Besides Murray, Yves Pons and Micah Peavy will be sidelined.
Trey Murphy III is listed as doubtful to play as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury suffered against the Miami Heat.
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