**Pelicans' Murray Out After Hand Fracture**

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Post on Oct 25, 2024

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Pelicans' Murray Out After Hand Fracture: A Blow to New Orleans' Hopes

The New Orleans Pelicans have suffered a significant setback with the news that star guard CJ McCollum will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a hand fracture. The injury occurred during the Pelicans' thrilling 128-125 overtime victory against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, leaving the team to face a potentially challenging road ahead.

Details of the Injury and Timeline

McCollum sustained the fracture in his right hand during the second quarter of the game. He was immediately removed from the contest and underwent further evaluation. The Pelicans announced Thursday that he will be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks, meaning he will miss a substantial portion of the regular season.

Impact on the Pelicans' Season

McCollum's absence is a major blow to the Pelicans' aspirations this season. He is a crucial piece of their offensive puzzle, averaging 22.2 points and 5.7 assists per game this season. The Pelicans, currently in the play-in tournament picture, will need to find ways to compensate for his scoring and playmaking ability.

Here's how the Pelicans' roster could be affected:

• Increased scoring burden on Brandon Ingram: The All-Star forward will likely need to carry an even heavier offensive load with McCollum out.
• Opportunity for young guards to step up: Jose Alvarado and Naji Marshall will have increased minutes and opportunities to prove themselves.
• Potential for trade activity: With McCollum sidelined, the Pelicans may be forced to consider trade options to address their immediate needs.

Looking Ahead: How the Pelicans Can Adapt

The Pelicans have shown resilience in the past, overcoming injuries and adversity to succeed. Their focus now will be on finding ways to adapt to McCollum's absence:

• Defensive intensity: A strong defensive effort can help cover for their offensive struggles.
• Offensive creativity: Finding new ways to generate points and create opportunities for other players will be critical.
• Team chemistry: Staying connected and united as a group will be crucial during this challenging period.

While McCollum's absence will be felt deeply, the Pelicans have the talent and determination to remain competitive. It will be interesting to see how they adjust their strategy and how the team performs during his absence. The news of McCollum's injury is a setback, but it's not a season-ender. The Pelicans have the potential to overcome this hurdle and make a strong push in the second half of the season.