Pelicans Star Finally Returns After Two Month Absence

It's been a long time coming. After suffering a toe injury back in November, exactly two months ago to the day, New Orleans Pelicans star forward Brandon Ingram is finally making his return to the floor. 

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

The Pels forward missed 33 games, the team going 17-16 in Ingram's absence. However, they are 2-8 in a more recent stretch also playing without Zion Williamson. They've fallen to 4th spot in the Western Conference. 

Ingram says, although this was a long time coming, at least he's well-rested. 

"I didn't think it would take this long," Ingram said. "But I had to listen to my body before I got back on the floor with my teammates and before I got back to playing basketball.

"I feel like I'm a fresher body than everybody else. Everybody beat up. I've just had a chance to let my body rest for a little bit and come back off of injury."

The 25-year-old Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 32.1 minutes in his 15 games before the injury. He's shooting a career-best 46.7 percent from beyond the arc.

His return should allow the Pelicans to getting back to holding their own in the West until Williamson ultimately makes his return next month. 

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports