According to MRI results released by the New Orleans Pelicans, Naji Marshall sustained a bone bruise and hyperextended right knee. He became the latest member of the team to be added to the injury report as the 2023-24 NBA regular season looms.
As the Pelicans lost 110-105 to the Hawks in a preseason game on Saturday, the 6-foot-6 forward injured his knee, requiring a wheelchair.
During the postgame press conference, Pelicans coach Willie Green revealed that a hyperextension was the initial diagnosis, though he noted that imaging would be conducted shortly.
“Looks to be fine,” Green said. “But we’ll get an MRI to see where he is.”
It remains to be seen when he will return, considering he will be re-evaluated in two weeks, which would sideline him for the team’s Oct. 25 season-opening matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Last season, Marshall averaged 9.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.7 steals in 77 games for the Pelicans. He is entering the fourth year of his NBA career and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The Pelicans will already be without Trey Murphy III to begin the season, as he recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Due to ankle injuries, New Orleans’ supporting cast includes Jose Alvarado and Larry Nance Jr..
The Pelicans hold high hopes for what they can achieve during the 2023-24 season, with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram healthy after dealing with injuries last season. New Orleans had a solid start to last year’s campaign before its star players became sidelined.
Getting off to a strong start will be important in a loaded Western Conference landscape, with no shortage of teams capable of competing for a playoff spot.
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