The Phoenix Suns were getting back on track when Kevin Durant got hurt again.
The New Orleans Pelicans are starting to get their injured players back, although star Zion Williamson has had a setback, but they are still not on track.
Both teams continue to work through injuries as they prepare to meet Thursday night in New Orleans.
The Sun have won three out of four after losing five games in a row. They visit a Pelicans team that has lost nine straight games and has the worst record in the Western Conference.
Phoenix defeated San Antonio 104-93 on Tuesday night but lost Durant to his left ankle in the second quarter. He is expected to stay out of action for a week.
The Suns started the season 8-1 before Durant struggled in the left field, but went 1-6 in his absence.
“Obviously it’s tough,” guard Devin Booker said of losing Durant. “It is impossible to change what he brought to our team, even just his presence in the team, not even having him on the bench in the second half was difficult.
“But we still fought, they came out, they punched us to start the half. We just stuck with it, weathered the storm, it was a time of growth for us.”
Booker scored 29 points against the Spurs and surpassed 15,000 for his career. Phoenix went 3-1 in the NBA Cup but didn’t get the help they needed to get out of the group stage.
“Every team at some point during the season has to deal with (injuries),” Booker said. “I think it’s an important time for other people to get a chance because you never know what will happen when the season ends or the play-offs are played, where you have to get it.”
The Pelicans have won only two of their last 20 games and a number of key players have been injured. Their projected starting five hasn’t played together this season, but New Orleans is starting to get some players back.
Guards Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum have started the last three games together, the only times that has happened since opening night.
“It’s going to take a little time for everybody to get used to it,” coach Willie Green said. “They are still learning the game.”
Murray, who underwent surgery to repair a broken (non-shooting) wrist, shot just 27.3 percent from the floor and 24 percent from 3-point range since returning in the last four games, but averaged 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and and 2.8.
“He’s an amazing player,” Green said of Murray, “and he’s going to continue to find his rhythm.”
Forward Herbert Jones, the team’s leading defender, and leading scorer Brandon Ingram could return as soon as Thursday, although Williamson’s return is unlikely. Williamson will miss at least two more weeks with a left hamstring injury.
“We’re used to getting to know each other,” McCollum said. “It takes time. We have to accelerate our learning curve and keep getting better and keep giving ourselves opportunities to win games.
“The worst part of the season is behind us. The guys are starting to come back little by little. We’ll be able to give ourselves a chance with a full, healthy roster soon.”
–Field Level Media
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