Dejounte Murray makes his return to Atlanta on Monday as the New Orleans Pelicans face the Hawks, who are enjoying their first three-game winning streak of the season.
While Atlanta defeated Charlotte 107-104 on Saturday, New Orleans suffered its eighth consecutive loss with a 118-85 setback to the New York Knicks on Sunday.
The Hawks secured a 126-111 victory in their first meeting with the Pelicans on November 3, led by Jalen Johnson’s 29 points and nine rebounds. However, Murray did not participate in that game, having missed the first 17 games of the season with a fractured left hand.
Murray was acquired by Atlanta and paired with Trae Young to create a dynamic backcourt duo. Despite averaging 21.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists over two seasons with the Hawks, the pairing did not meet expectations. Atlanta decided to stick with Young and traded Murray to New Orleans in the offseason for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, and two first-round draft picks.
Murray is just one of several injured players for the Pelicans, who have also been without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum, and other key contributors. Williamson has missed the last 12 games with a left hamstring strain, and Ingram has sat out the last four games with right calf soreness.
New Orleans is also missing Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (lower back soreness), and Herbert Jones (right shoulder strain).
Meanwhile, Atlanta has found a reliable partner for Young in Jalen Johnson. The team’s 2021 first-round draft pick has scored in double figures in 17 straight games, the longest streak of his career.
Johnson is averaging 20.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. He recorded nine assists on Saturday, showing his ability to feed the big men inside and find open teammates on the perimeter.
Johnson played only 56 games last season due to ankle and wrist injuries. In October, he signed a five-year, $150 million contract extension and has not missed a game this season.
The Hawks are also receiving contributions from Kobe Bufkin, their 2023 first-round draft pick. Bufkin missed the first 14 games with a right shoulder injury and has averaged 13.6 minutes and 5.3 points in the seven games since his return.
Additionally, veteran Bogdan Bogdanovic has returned to the lineup after missing 13 games with a right hamstring injury suffered on opening night. He sat out Saturday’s game for load management but will play Monday. Bogdanovic is averaging 11.6 points and provides another three-point shooting option while also being capable of spelling Young at point guard.
