The New Orleans Pelicans are currently having their best season in years and are the third team in the West with a strong 26-18 record.
Zion Williamson‘s return has really helped the team in a huge way, taking them to the next level and making them nearly certain for the playoffs.
Williamson is currently out because of a hamstring injury but he’s not the only one the team is missing.
Brandon Ingram has been out for weeks now because of a toe injury.
The star forward hasn’t played a game since November 25 due to the injury but the latest report says he is headed in the right direction.
Brandon Ingram update: All I’ve heard is that he is close to a return.
Ingram had more lift in his jumper at shoot around yesterday, but he still hasn’t practiced, sources tell @BallySports.
He needs to practice at least once before anything. pic.twitter.com/jUA2lOgxQp
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) January 17, 2023
NBA writer Brandon Robinson is stating that Ingram is “close” to a return.
Apparently, Ingram has had more “lift in his jump at shoot around” but he has yet to practice with the team.
Obviously, he will need to practice more before he can suit back up for his Pelicans.
In Need Of Ingram
New Orleans is very ready to have Ingram back: so far this season, he has averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 47.2% from the field and 46.7% from the three-point line.
The loss of Ingram and then Williamson a few weeks later has been scary for the team but they have been able to keep acquiring wins, recently against the Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons.
However, tougher teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers have all laid the Pelicans out, showing that they need their full team healthy and ready to play.
The Pelicans are trying to do something they haven’t since Williamson was drafted: surge into the playoffs and actually take a run at conquering the Western Conference.
They have never had a better chance to do so, especially if Williamson and Ingram are back soon.
NEXT: Pelicans Big Man Has Really Stepped Up