Pelicans center out at least two weeks

Presumed New Orleans Pelicans starting center Kevon Looney will be out for at least two to three weeks, the team announced (via X).

The report states that Looney was diagnosed with a proximal tibiofibular ligament sprain in his left knee, an injury sustained on the team’s Oct. 5 contest against South East Melbourne. Following the two to three week timetable, he will be re-evaluated, and the next steps will be announced.

Looney signed a two-year deal with the Pelicans after spending the first 10 seasons of his career with the Warriors, with whom he won two championships. He holds career averages of 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

He was brought in by New Orleans to round out the big man depth chart alongside second-year center Yves Missi and rookie Derick Queen, the latter of whom is recovering from wrist surgery that kept him out for the entirety of the Pelicans’ preseason.

Given the sudden shallow depth field at center, second-year big man Karlo Matkovic could be in line for an increase in minutes early on. He played 42 games for the Pelicans last season and averaged 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 18.8 minutes per night.