Brandon Ingram's ankle injury keeps him sidelined indefinitely
- Brandon Ingram suffered a high-grade low left ankle sprain during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- He had just returned from an earlier injury and was averaging 22.2 points per game this season.
- The Pelicans will need to adjust their gameplay as Ingram's absence will significantly affect their performance.
In New Orleans, Louisiana, during a game on December 7, 2024, New Orleans Pelicans' forward Brandon Ingram sustained a significant injury. Ingram rolled his left ankle after landing on the foot of Oklahoma City's Lu Dort while attempting a jump shot. The incident occurred during a match in which the Pelicans lost 119-109 to the Thunder. Following the injury, medical imaging confirmed that Ingram had a high-grade sprain. He was unable to continue playing and required assistance to leave the court. Ingram was seen leaving the Pelicans' home arena using crutches and wearing a boot, indicating a serious nature of the injury that will necessitate a substantial recovery period. This ankle sprain comes after Ingram had just returned to play following a brief absence due to right plantaris tendonitis, which caused him to miss five games earlier this month. Before his injury, Ingram had performed admirably, scoring 29 points in his previous outing against the Phoenix Suns, marking a significant contribution to the team's efforts in breaking a nine-game losing streak. His versatility and scoring ability are vital to the Pelicans, evidenced by his current average of 22.2 points per game this season. The Pelicans medical staff stated that Ingram will be evaluated closely during treatment and rehabilitation, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding his return date. Relying on a positive response to treatment will be crucial in defining a timeline for his comeback. Ingram's absence leaves a considerable gap in the Pelicans’ lineup, a team that has had challenges competing in the Western Conference. Losing a key starter like Ingram raises concerns for the Pelicans' performance in upcoming games, as they seek to improve their standings. Head coach and the rest of the coaching staff will have to adapt their strategies to account for Ingram’s absence. His teammates will need to step up their performance to compensate for his scoring and playmaking abilities. The potential long-term impact of Ingram's injury on the Pelicans' season remains to be seen, and fans will watch closely how the team adjusts in the immediate future.