The New Orleans Pelicans face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, and Dejounte Murray once again sits at the center of the injury report. While Murray was listed as questionable due to illness, putting the Pelicans guard in focus as the team looks to win back-to-back games, he has since been upgraded to available. Murray’s situation carries even more weight as he recently returned from a torn Achilles in late February, making every appearance closely monitored.
Murray missed New Orleans’ last game with this illness, which came after a 35-point explosion against the Houston Rockets. The Pelicans beat the Dallas Mavericks on Monday without Murray.
Here’s everything we know about Murray’s situation and the rest of the Pelicans-Clippers injury report.
Dejounte Murray’s injury status vs. Clippers
With Dejounte Murray being upgraded to available after his initial questionable listing, the Pelicans will have one of their key veteran stars in this tough game against LA. Murray has made an immediate impact since his return from an Achilles injury and has been rounding into form. Across eight games, he is averaging 19.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 27.0 minutes per game. He is shooting an efficient 54.7 percent from the field, 35.1 percent from three, and 82.9 percent from the free-throw line.
His all-around production gives the Pelicans a reliable playmaker and scorer. Murray’s ability to control pace, create opportunities, and contribute defensively adds balance to the New Orleans  lineup. When he is available, the offense operates with more structure and confidence.
The Pelicans enter the matchup at 23-46. They sit at No. 12 in the West and are trying to win back-to-back games. With New Orleans owing its first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks, there’s no incentive to tank, leading to a surge up the standings with Murray back and other veterans playing well. The rest of the Pelicans’ injury report is mostly clean, with a handful of G Leaguers out along with Bryce McGowens.
Meanwhile, the Clippers come in at 34-34. They are No. 8 in the West and aim to snap a two-game losing streak. They are also looking to stabilize their playoff positioning. LA is dealing with some key injuries. While Darius Garland has been upgraded to available, Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Nicolas Batum (rest) are  questionable. Bradley Beal (hip), Bennedict Mathurin (toe), and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) are out.