The Pelicans have lost three straight games after a 2-0 start, and are now expected to be down two more starters for at least the better part of the next month.
The team announced on Friday that forward Herb Jones and guard CJ McCollum will miss multiple weeks after suffering injuries during a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
For Jones the injury is classified as a right shoulder strain and a minor tear in his rotator cuff, which will keep him out a span of 2 to 4 weeks. The injury occurred as Jones was diving for a loose ball and had a Warriors player land on his shoulder.
McCollum's injury is classified as a right adductor strain, an injury that is expected to sideline him 2 to 3 weeks.
The absences are particularly impactful when you consider the Pelicans are already without point guard Dejounte Murray due to a fractured left hand that required surgery. Forward Trey Murphy III has also been absent to start the season as he rehabs from a hamstring strain, though he is making positive steps toward a return.
Centers Daniel Theis and Yves Missi each suffered injuries of their own during Wednesday's loss to the Warriors and did not finish the game.
The wave of injuries will impact the Pelicans on both sides of the floor and leaves very little depth around star forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans got off to a strong start to the season with wins over the Bulls and Blazers, but they have now lost three straight by at least 15 points.
The Pelicans now likely be looking more to young guards Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins for an additional scoring punch. There will also likely be an uptick in minutes for wings Javonte Green and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl over the next several weeks.
The Pelicans are back in action on Friday with a home matchup against the Pacers, followed by a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday gainst the Hawks and Blazers.
