Portland Trail Blazers vs New Orleans Pelicans: preview and player stats (Jan 6, 2027)

Head coach Micah Nori said Morant met with a doctor in Los Angeles, who gave him a positive outlook on his recovery from the hamstring injury. While Nori declined to update Morant's timetable, he added Morant "may not be out for as long as we thought," Trail Blazers Insider Sean Highkin reports. Morant was initially given a four-week timetable after he suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on Oct. 30. It sounds like he's making solid progress, though it would be surprising to see him beat that timetable given the tricky nature of hamstring injuries. Scoot Henderson will continue to start in his absence and there will be more minutes available for Jrue Holiday.

Sharpe suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and is expected to miss six months, per Shams Charania of ESPN. It's a tough blow to the Trail Blazers' depth on the wing ahead of training camp. Sharpe, who is now likely to be sidelined until after the All-Star break, had been ticketed for a reserve role behind Toumani Camara following an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign, which saw average a career-high 20.8 points, 1.4 steals and 2.1 three-pointers per game over 50 regular-season appearances. The door is now open for Vit Krejci and Jeremy Sochan to compete for bench minutes during camp.

Krejci underwent surgery on his fractured left ankle Wednesday and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports. Krejci suffered the ankle injury in last Wednesday's win over the Suns and is set to miss an extended period after undergoing surgery. With the 26-year-old and Ja Morant (hamstring) both on the shelf, Jrue Holiday and Sidy Cissoko should continue seeing increased minutes.

Youngblood (foot) is out for Friday's game against Sacramento. Youngblood is in line for a second straight absence due to a bone bruise in his right foot. His next opportunity to run the floor will arrive Monday in Minnesota.

Injury/Illness - Bilateral Patellar Tendinopathy (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Murphy (knees) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Nuggets. Murphy will miss a fourth straight game as he continues to battle bilateral patellar tendinopathy. His next opportunity to return to the court will come Monday against the Warriors. Saddiq Bey should continue to work in an elevated role in the meantime.

Injury/Illness - Left Ankle Sprain (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-13): Murray (ankle) is out for Friday's game against Memphis. This was the expectation after the star guard requested a trade from the Pelicans earlier Friday. Given his standing with the club, Murray can be tentatively considered doubtful for future contests while New Orleans tries to find him another home.

Injury/Illness - Left Knee Contusion / Bone Bruise (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP).

Injury/Illness - Left Elbow Infection (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): McGowens (elbow) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Nuggets. McGowens will miss his second game in as many days while continuing to deal with a left elbow infection. He'll have another chance to return to action Monday against the Warriors.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP).

Injury/Illness - Right Ankle Sprain (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Watford (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Denver. Watford will miss a fourth consecutive game Saturday due to a right ankle sprain, and it remains unknown how far away he is from returning.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP).