Mar 21, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) and forward Herbert Jones (5) react to a play from the bench against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The 2-3 Indiana Pacers will be squaring off against an ailing 2-3 New Orleans Pelicans squad on Friday night.
In addition to newly-acquired guard Dejounte Murray - who remains out indefinitely with a fractured left hand, suffered in the team's opening night game against the Chicago Bulls -- New Orleans will be without its other starting guard, CJ McCollum, and starting forward/center Herb Jones for at least the next two weeks, per a Pelicans announcement on X.
Both McCollum and Jones sat out New Orleans' 104-89 blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. In that contest, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawksin drew the starting backcourt roles in place of McCollum and Murray, while veteran reserve Daniel Theis started at center for Jones.
This story will be updated...