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Jahlil Okafor leaves game with ankle injury, on crutches after game, will get MRI

New York Knicks v Brooklyn Nets

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 14: Jahlil Okafor #4 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench in the first half against the New York Knicks at the Barclays Center on December 14, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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This is the opposite of how Jahlil Okafor wanted to start his Pelicans career.

He had 8 points on 4-of-7 shooting on the night, then with just seconds left in the Pelicans’ first preseason game, Okafor went down with what looked to be a sprained ankle after tripping over the foot of a Bulls’ player in transition.

New Orleans is Okafor’s chance to prove he still has a role in the NBA. The former No. 3 pick out of Duke has battled injuries throughout his career but also has watched the game quickly evolve away from his old-school style of play. Throw in his poor defense and it’s been hard for him to find a spot, but the Pelicans gave a chance to be the fourth man in a rotation with Anthony Davis, Nikola Mirotic, and Julius Randle.

This injury is a setback in that goal. Hopefully, he will not be out long.