The New Orleans Pelicans just can’t catch a break this season, and things took a turn for the worse when Brandon Ingram went down with an ankle injury. On December 7, 2024, during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ingram suffered a high-grade sprain to his left ankle after awkwardly landing on the foot of Thunder guard Lu Dort. This is a major setback for Ingram, who had just returned from missing five games due to right plantar tendinitis. It’s like the bad luck just won’t quit.
Ingram has been an essential part of the Pelicans’ offense, putting up 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 18 games this season. With him now sidelined indefinitely, the pressure is on the rest of the team to step up. The Pelicans are already not in a really good spot, sitting with a 5-20 record and struggling to stay competitive in the crowded Western Conference. It couldn’t have come at a worse time for the team, as they’re fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive amid a growing injury list.
The typical recovery for a high-grade ankle sprain is around 4 to 6 weeks, but there’s no firm timeline for Ingram’s return yet. Much depends on how well he responds to treatment, and the Pelicans are hoping for the best. In the meantime, players like Trey Murphy III, who dropped 25 points in their loss to the Spurs, will need to pick up the slack. With Ingram out, the team’s offense is looking a little thin, and it’s unclear how long they can hold on.
What’s Next For The New Orleans Pelicans And Brandon Ingram?
Things are looking pretty bleak for New Orleans, especially with their injury list growing longer by the day. Ingram’s absence only makes their uphill battle even harder. Their next game, against the Sacramento Kings on December 12, will be another chance to right the ship—but without crucial players like Zion Williamson (averaging 22.7 points and 8 rebounds) and CJ McCollum (20.3 points, 3.9 assists), their chances of a comeback feel slim.
Ingram’s injury doesn’t just impact the rest of this season. With the forward set to become a free agent after the year, the question of his future in New Orleans is looming large. His health and performance in the months ahead will play a big role in determining his next move. With the trade season approaching on December 15, there’s even speculation that Ingram could be on the block, especially if his injury keeps him sidelined for a while.
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For now, the Pelicans are in limbo, hoping for a quick recovery from Ingram and trying to keep their season from spiraling further. But the longer he’s out, the more his absence will be felt—both on the court and off, as the team’s long-term future remains uncertain.
