Dejounte Murray, the dynamic All-Star point guard recently acquired by the New Orleans Pelicans, has fractured his left hand during the season opener, according to the team’s confirmation on Thursday.

Murray suffered the injury while bracing himself during a fall late in the fourth quarter of the Pelicans’ 123-111 win against the Chicago Bulls. Although he stayed in the game and the injury seemed minor at first, news broke early Thursday morning indicating it was more serious.

This injury adds to the challenges facing both Murray and the Pelicans, who are already dealing with other injury situations.

How Long Will Dejounte Murray Be Out?

The team provided an update on Thursday stating that medical examinations confirmed the hand fracture, and Murray will be sidelined indefinitely.

ESPN was the first outlet to report on the injury.

As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, each hand has 27 bones, and the severity of a fracture can vary based on which bones are affected. It is expected that Murray will need a splint or cast for several weeks, and healing typically takes one to two months.

If we take that into consideration, the most optimistic scenario would see Murray back on the court in late December, approximately 28 games into the season.

What Are the Implications for the Pelicans in the Western Conference?

This is undoubtedly a significant setback. Murray was expected to enhance the Pelicans’ playmaking capabilities at point guard, as well as reduce the scoring burden on stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.

The Western Conference is highly competitive, and the margin for error is minimal. Last season, the Pelicans finished seventh with a record of 49-33, qualifying for the play-in tournament. Although they lost their first game against the Lakers, they managed to defeat the Kings, moving on to the first round of the NBA playoffs, where they were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the top seed.

On a positive note, this injury occurred early in the 2024-25 season, which gives New Orleans a chance to adjust before Murray’s eventual return. However, if everyone stays healthy, the Western Conference could feature at least 12 teams contending for playoff positions.

Who Will Fill in for Dejounte Murray During His Absence?

The Pelicans have a few alternatives. They might promote CJ McCollum to the starting point guard role, although he was brought in with the expectation of shifting back to his more natural shooting guard position thanks to Murray’s acquisition. McCollum scored 23 points with five assists and two rebounds, shooting 9-of-19 from the floor on Wednesday night.

Complicating matters further is the absence of Trey Murphy III, a versatile player who can play both guard and forward positions, still recovering from a hamstring injury. The Pelicans announced on Thursday that Murphy has made positive progress in his rehabilitation and has been cleared to begin conditioning for a return, with a further update expected in two weeks.

Another option for New Orleans could be to start backup point guard Jose Alvarado in place of Murray, allowing McCollum to keep his role as the shooting guard. Alvarado entered Wednesday night’s game as questionable due to a knee issue but played nearly 13 minutes, scoring three points with three assists and one steal.

Alvarado is known for his tenacious defense, often surprising offensive players with his steals. However, his offensive skills do not match Murray’s level.

Last season, while playing for the Hawks, Murray averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game.

How Did Dejounte Murray Sustain His Left Hand Injury?

The injury occurred towards the end of the Pelicans’ 123-111 victory. With just 2:21 remaining in the game and his team leading by 12, Murray attempted a 3-pointer from the top of the key but was fouled. As he fell, he awkwardly braced himself with his left hand.

Struggling to get up, he clearly favored his left hand and avoided putting weight on it. Initially, the situation didn’t seem serious; Murray managed to sink two of three free throws and continued to play, dribbling and even grabbing a rebound shortly after the incident. Eventually, with the win secured, coach Willie Green substituted in the bench players with a minute left to play.

Murray, who had missed practices leading up to the opener due to a family emergency, ended the game with 14 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds.

“It was really special for Dejounte to return during this important time for his family and to lead this group after not having many practices in the past four days,” Green told reporters after the game.