The New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for two crucial home games against the Sacramento Kings and the Miami Heat before heading into a well-deserved eight-day break for the All-Star festivities. Riding high from a remarkable road victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Pelicans are looking to capitalize on their favorable schedule to build momentum and potentially a winning streak.
A significant advantage for the Pelicans lies in their health, as they stand out in the league for their minimal injury concerns. As they prepare for their matchup against the Kings at Smoothie King Center, their injury report lists only Dejounte Murray as unavailable. In stark contrast, the Kings are struggling with injuries, having five key players affected, which could heavily influence the outcome of the game.
Murray has made substantial progress in his recovery, having returned to practice after missing over a year due to a ruptured Achilles, an injury that kept him off the court since January 2025. While he still doesn’t have a definitive return timeline, recent hints on social media suggest a potential comeback in February. This optimism surrounding Murray’s recovery signifies a hopeful outlook for Pelicans fans, as his debut could coincide with their push for a playoff position following the All-Star break.
The Kings, currently holding a less favorable record than the Pelicans, are hindered by significant injuries. New addition De’Andre Hunter is sidelined with an eye injury, while Keegan Murray continues to be absent due to an ankle sprain. Malik Monk will miss the game due to illness, and Zach LaVine is also out with a finger injury. Domantas Sabonis remains a question mark with back inflammation, having missed the last two games. With the Kings more focused on maximizing their chances of securing a top draft pick rather than rushing players back, the Pelicans’ chance for success seems promising.
As this is the first of three contests this season between the Pelicans and the Kings, facing a depleted Sacramento team that has lost 12 consecutive games presents a perfect opportunity for the Pelicans to make a strong statement.
This favorable situation not only boosts the Pelicans’ spirits heading into the All-Star break but also underscores their potential to enhance their performance as the season progresses, making them a team to watch in the coming weeks.