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Pelicans G Dejounte Murray (hand) out 4-6 weeks after surgery

Fri Oct 25 12:06pm ET
Field Level Media

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is expected to miss four to six weeks after successful surgery to repair his broken left hand, the team said Friday.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Michelle Carlson at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Murray, 28, was injured Wednesday in New Orleans' season-opening 123-111 victory against the visiting Chicago Bulls. The injury occurred with 2:21 to play in the fourth quarter and the Pelicans leading by 12.

Murray attempted a 3-pointer, was fouled by Zach LaVine and fell to the floor. He was in some discomfort as he was helped up -- by his right arm -- but went to the foul line and made 2 of 3 attempts.


The Spurs drafted Murray in the first round in 2016 out of Washington and he remained in San Antonio through the 2021-22 season -- his only All-Star campaign.

Last season, Murray averaged a career-high 22.5 points to go with 5.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists. In 473 career games (402 starts), he has averages of 15.4 points, 5.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds.

The Pelicans acquired Murray from Atlanta in a July trade. The Hawks received Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller and two first-round draft picks.

Player Notes
Steven Adams Fri Oct 25 11:50am

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (knee, calf) won't return to the floor just yet after being ruled out for the Friday night game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The veteran big man hasn't played since January 2023 since he's been recovering from his knee injury. Unfortunately, he also suffered a calf strain, but he was seen doing some work on the side at practice. While he sits this one out, Jock Landale should continue to back up Alperen Sengun while Tari Eason gets some more opportunities off of the bench as well.

Khris Middleton Fri Oct 25 11:40am

Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward Khris Middleton (ankle) will miss another game as he still recovers from surgery in the offseason. The veteran hasn't been cleared for full participation in practice yet and the team said they were cautiously getting him ready to play, therefore he's officially been ruled out on Friday. While his timetable to return remains unclear, fantasy managers can continue to go to their backup plan. Gary Trent Jr. (calf) is also questionable, so if he doesn't play as well, look for Pat Connaughton and Delon Wright to receive a lot more opportunities against the Chicago Bulls.

Gary Trent Jr. Fri Oct 25 11:40am

Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (calf) was added to the 11:30 AM injury report ahead of their Friday night tip-off against the Chicago Bulls. He's listed with a right calf strain right now, so his status is worth monitoring with Khris Middleton (ankle) still sidelined. Trent played 34 minutes in the team's opening game but didn't contribute much outside of his 11 points. If Trent is unable to get on the court, Pat Connaughton or Delon Wright will likely step into the starting spot while AJ Green or Andre Jackson Jr. may get some more opportunities off of the bench.

Brook Lopez Fri Oct 25 11:20am

Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (quad) is dealing with a quad contusion but it doesn't seem to be severe enough to cause him to miss some time. Lopez is listed as probable for the Friday night matchup with the Chicago Bulls on the official injury report. The big man delivered a quality all-around game outside of low efficiency on Wednesday when he registered 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four blocks. He shoots almost 50% from the floor throughout his career so he should return to that norm against the Bulls.

Jonathan Isaac Fri Oct 25 11:00am

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (hip) suffered a bruised left hip during the team's season opener against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Head coach Jamahl Mosley said, "He'll be questionable tonight just to see where he is as we go into the game." Isaac has a long history of injuries, so the team seems to be careful any time he doesn't feel fully ready to go. He plays a big part in the team's defense off of the bench, but if he can't suit up there could be some more minutes spread around to Tristan Da Silva and Franz Wagner.

Dejounte Murray Fri Oct 25 10:50am

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (hand) suffered a fractured left hand in the team's season opener against the Chicago Bulls. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the star guard underwent a successful surgery on his hand and will now miss four-to-six weeks. Murray registered 30 minutes in the first game with his new team, but will now have to wait until the end of November or the beginning of December to play again. CJ McCollum will take on more opportunities with the starting five while Jordan Hawkins and Jose Alvarado should see some more minutes until Trey Murphy III (hamstring) returns.

Carlton Carrington Fri Oct 25 10:40am

Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (ankle) came away from their season opener against the Boston Celtics with an ankle injury. Head coach Brian Keefe said that it was a "mild" ankle sprain and they'll likely take it day by day with the rookie. Carrington finished his first game with three points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two turnovers while shooting 1-for-6 from the floor. Having to go up against the reigning NBA champs in his first game was a tough task, but the Wizards seem committed to getting their younger players playing time right now. If Carrington has to miss time, Corey Kispert and Kyshawn George should see more minutes.

Anthony Edwards Fri Oct 25 1:00am

Timberwolves' G Anthony Edwards scored 32 points on 10-of-24 shooting in a 117-115 win over Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 24. Edwards is owned in very few, if any leagues.

Julius Randle Fri Oct 25 1:00am

Timberwolves' F Julius Randle scored 33 points on 13-of-17 shooting in a 117-115 win over Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 24. Randle is owned in very few, if any leagues.

Nikola Jokic Fri Oct 25 1:00am

Denver Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a 87-102 loss to the Thunder on Thursday, Oct. 24. Jokic is owned in very few, if any leagues.

Draymond Green Thu Oct 24 10:30pm

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Utah. The veteran sustained a left knee contusion in Wednesday's blowout win over the Blazers. However, he still had a decent showing, amassing eight points, six boards, two blocks, and one steal. With Stephen Curry (hip) also questionable, the Warriors may need to rely on Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski to lead the way offensively. Kyle Anderson, who had two points, five boards, two steals, and a block versus Portland, could also work his way into the starting lineup if Green can't get on the floor.

Jaren Jackson Jr. Thu Oct 24 10:20pm

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring) is doubtful for Friday's meeting with the Houston Rockets. The 25-year-old continues to battle a hamstring strain. He wasn't available for the opener on Wednesday, although Santi Aldama filled the void admirably by finishing with 27 points off 10-for-16 shooting (5-for-10 from deep). Jackson is inching his way back to the floor. But until he returns, Aldama could continue to benefit offensively.

Stephen Curry Thu Oct 24 10:20pm

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (hip) is questionable for Friday's meeting with the Utah Jazz. The veteran played 25 minutes in the blowout over the Blazers on Wednesday, finishing with 17 points, 10 assists, and two steals. But now he's in jeopardy of missing the second game on the Warriors' schedule. Golden State is banged up heading into Friday night, with Draymond Green (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (chest) also uncertain to suit up. But as far as Curry is concerned, Brandin Podziemski will likely take his spot in the lineup if he's ruled out. Podziemski averaged 9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 28 starts last season, although he should be in most fantasy lineups even if Curry is available.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Thu Oct 24 10:10pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's matchup with the Bulls. The 29-year-old carried the same designation heading into the opener versus the 76ers. However, he was out there, finishing with 25 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, and one block. As always, Antetokounmpo is a must-start in any fantasy lineup. But he may continue to surpass expectations while Khris Middleton (ankles) works his way back.

Brandon Miller Thu Oct 24 10:00pm

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (glute) won't play in Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. He logged only 11 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Houston Rockets, finishing with six points. However, the 21-year-old sat out the second half of that contest and is now on the shelf with a gluteal strain. Miller will likely miss more games beyond Friday night. But until he's back, Cody Martin and Tre Mann could benefit. Of course, Miller's absence should also mean more offensive opportunities for LaMelo Ball.

Ja'Kobe Walter Thu Oct 24 6:10pm

Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Unfortunately, Raptors fans will have to wait a little longer before their first-round pick can take the court. This doesn't sound like a serious issue, but the Raptors aren't going to take any chances with their young guard. Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji should continue seeing more minutes with Walter out at least one more game. Dick finished with 16 points in the season opener and is worth a look as a possible streaming option while Walter is out.

Sam Hauser Thu Oct 24 6:00pm

Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (back) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. He was downgraded to questionable earlier in the day and now he'll sit out due to a lower back issue. The injury isn't considered to be serious, so Hauser should be back in the mix within a few days. The absence of Hauser should mean more minutes for Jordan Walsh, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Luke Kornet on Thursday. Tillman probably has the highest upside out of the three players for Thursday's slate. He finished with seven rebounds in 17 minutes during the season opener.

Bruce Brown Thu Oct 24 5:40pm

Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Brown is still working his way back from having knee surgery last year. The team hasn't given a timetable for Brown's return, but the hope is that he's back sooner rather than later. The Raptors will likely use a committee approach to fill the void. That means, Gradey Dick, Davion Mitchell, and Ochai Agbaji could all absorb more playing time. Out of the trio, Dick has the highest upside and could be worth a look in deep leagues.

Kelly Olynyk Thu Oct 24 5:40pm

Toronto Raptors center Kelly Olynyk (back) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. This marks the second game in a row due to back stiffness. The organization is hopeful Olynyk won't miss an extended period of time, but he'll at least miss two games. The Raptors are already banged up one game into the regular season. That being said, Chris Boucher and Davion Mitchell should see plenty of run on Friday. Boucher finished with 18 points across 19 minutes of action in the opener. He should be the primary backup center until Olynyk returns.

James Wiseman Thu Oct 24 5:30pm

Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (Achilles) was forced to exit early during Wednesday's season opener against the Detroit Pistons. Wiseman exited the contest after only four minutes of action due to what was being considered a calf injury. Now, it's being revealed that Wiseman suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon in the win. The team hasn't announced it, but Wiseman is expected to miss the rest of the season. The Pacers are also without Isaiah Jackson (groin) right now, so Obi Toppin could see a larger role behind Myles Turner at the center spot. Toppin could be a possible streaming option if Jackson has a lengthy absence.