Injuries caught up with the Pelicans in January, as they have gone 3-9 this month with the third-worst offense in the NBA and a -5.9 net rating.
Which is why this is such good news: Brandon Ingram appears set to return to the court Wednesday night when the Pelicans host the Timberwolves.
After missing two months due to a big toe injury, New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram will return tonight vs. Timberwolves barring any setback in pregame, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 25, 2023
Ingram was last on an NBA court the day after Thanksgiving when he suffered a contusion impacting the big toe on his left foot. His recovery was slow as he was uncomfortable putting pressure on the foot, running and cutting. Before the injury Ingram was putting up All-Star level numbers at 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists a game, and shooting 46.7% from 3.
Ingram’s return is needed with Zion Williamson still out at least another couple of weeks with a hamstring issue (he likely does not return until after the All-Star break.
Despite the rough start to 2023, the Pelicans had built up enough wins that they still sit fourth in the West at 26-22, but they need Ingram to punch up the offense, help get them some wins and keep them with home court in the first round of the playoffs.