The New Orleans Pelicans will welcome back Zion Williamson on Friday night, but they’ll be without Dejounte Murray for an indefinite period as they kick off a two-game set against the Portland Trail Blazers. Williamson returns after missing the season-opening 123-111 win over the Chicago Bulls due to illness.
However, the Pelicans suffered a blow with Murray breaking his left hand late in the game, and his return date is uncertain. Murray, acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason, is a versatile player who averaged a career-high 22.5 points last season, alongside 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals.
With Murray’s absence, the Pelicans will miss two key players, as sharpshooter Trey Murphy III (hamstring) remains sidelined until at least next month. Williamson, who practiced on Thursday, is set to play in the Portland games. In his New Orleans debut, Murray scored 14 points, dished out 10 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. Brandon Ingram led with 33 points, and CJ McCollum added 23.
Portland, on the other hand, had a rough season opener, losing 139-104 to the Golden State Warriors. Despite starting strong, the Trail Blazers were outscored 118-83 over the final three quarters. Second-year guard Scoot Henderson led with 22 points off the bench, Jerami Grant scored 16, and Deni Avdija and Anfernee Simons each added 15. Deandre Ayton, with 10 points and 11 rebounds, noted that the team’s on-court communication needs improvement.
Portland will again be without Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder), Robert Williams III (hamstring), and Matisse Thybulle (knee). The Pelicans have a strong record against the Trail Blazers, winning all three games last season and the past six meetings. McCollum, a former Portland star, scored 30 and 29 points in two of those matchups last season, although he was limited to eight points in the other game.
