On Tuesday, the New Orleans Pelicans shared an injury update for backup point guard Jose Alvarado. After confirming that Alvarado sustained a left hamstring injury during the team’s 107-105 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, the Pelicans announced he will be re-evaluated in three weeks. This is a significant setback for a team already dealing with injuries.
After newly acquired point guard Dejounte Murray fractured his hand following the Pelicans’ season-opening victory over the Chicago Bulls, Alvarado stepped in to offer stability at the guard position. The fourth-year player is posting career highs, averaging 10.7 points and 4.5 assists per game, with 40% shooting from three-point range. Alvarado is an undrafted talent out of Georgia Tech.
New Orleans is already missing Murray, Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and Jordan Hawkins for an extended period. With Alvarado now sidelined, the Pelicans will turn to forward Brandon Boston Jr. and rookie guard Antonio Reeves to manage the ball-handling duties until Murray completes his hand surgery rehab.
The Pelicans are 3-8 on the season and are currently on a five-game losing streak. This week, they face a tough stretch of competition, with games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Under head coach Willie Green, the Pelicans have increased their win total in each of his first three seasons. However, with the current injury woes, that streak is in jeopardy unless New Orleans can get healthy and turn things around.
