Why is Brandon Ingram not playing against Grizzlies? Exploring Pelicans forward's absence on Pelicans (Nov. 29)
The New Orleans Pelicans won't have Brandon Ingram, one of their best players, available to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. The Pelicans were already dealing with injuries to start this season and Ingram has joined the list of assets they won't count on against the inspired Grizzlies in another NBA Cup fixture.
Ingram was ruled out for this duel with a calf injury. He was initially a game-time decision, just like Trey Murphy, Jamal Cain and Jordan Hawkins. With the latest development, Ingram joined Jose Alvarado, Herb Jones, Karlo Matkovic and the other star of the team, Zion Williamson, as inactive for this duel.
Brandon Ingram has played in 16 of 19 regular season games for the Pelicans, averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 46.5% from the field.
The former LA Lakers player has dealt with health issues during his career. Injuries have prevented him from fulfilling his potential and leading the Pelicans to compete in the Western Conference. This situation has upset fans and right after they learned about BI's absence from this game, comments didn't take long to arrive.
Pelicans fans react to Brandon Ingram missing Grizzlies game
This news didn't please Pelicans fans, as they started attacking the player, wondering if this had something to do with a potential trade.
"Trade him already enough is enough," one fan said.
"Please trade him. Im sick of it. Sore calf doesnt keep you out this long. Its either more serious or dudes holding out," another fan said.
"Contract/trade demands is reason," another fan wrote.
Others said that he's not under the same scrutiny as Zion Williamson while questioning whether this injury was legit.
"Day to day my a**," one fan wrote.
The Pelicans have a 4-15 record in the 2024-25 NBA season and have lost nine of their last 10 matches. The last time they won a game was on Nov. 15 against the Denver Nuggets, with Brandon Ingram scoring 29 points. After several years of trying to build around Williamson and Ingram, it might be time for the Pelicans to blow things up and start fresh.
This season is off to a terrible start, and nothing suggests it will change anytime soon. New Orleans made it to the play-in tournament and playoffs a couple of times, but it has not made a deep run. Health has been a major issue, and fans are tired of that situation.