Dejounte Murray’s injury did not look good on Friday night when he hobbled off the floor after a non-contact injury in the first quarter of a 118-116 Pelicans loss to the Celtics. The Pelicans’ worst fears about the guard were confirmed hours later as multiple reports indicate the Murray suffered a torn Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season.
Murray left the arena early Friday on crutches and in a walking boot per NBC Sports Boston. The injury adds to a nightmare season on the health front for the Pelicans.
Murray suffered the injury with four minutes remaining in the first quarter while attempting an offensive rebound on his own shot. He immediately fell to the floor after grabbing the board and remained down for several seconds. The Pelicans gave an intentional foul on two possessions later and Murray was helped by teammates to the locker room with 3:51 remaining in the first quarter. The 28-year-old guard finished the game with four points and five rebounds in eight minutes. Jose Alvarado saw big minutes of the bench in his absence.
With Murray sidelined, the Pelicans look like a team primed to be active on the trade front ahead of next week’s deadline. Despite playoff expectations to begin the year, New Orleans has limped to a 12-37 record in large part due to injuries hitting nearly every member of their starting lineup. Starters Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones have been sidelined for weeks due to ailments while Zion Williamson has only played 13 games this year. Murray also had missed 18 games this year already prior to Friday’s injury.
Murray came into Friday’s game averaging 17.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 30 appearances this year.
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