Brandon Ingram exits loss to Orlando Magic with serious knee injury. How will New Orleans Pelicans cope?

In what can only be considered a massive blow to a team that’s currently on fire, the loss of Brandon Ingram has thrown a massive wrench in the works of the New Orleans Pelicans as they look to build a deep run in the postseason.

Brandon Ingram leaves game with serious knee injury

It would be fair to say that the New Orleans Pelicans have been the NBA’s best team for the last two months and a large part of that has been down to the performance of Brandon Ingram. Sadly, the team will now have to do without the services of the two-time All-Star after he went down during the team’s 121-106 loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. Currently, within touching distance of the Western Conference’s No. 4 seed, the loss of Ingram can’t be overstated for a team that until Thursday’s defeat, had won 16 of its last 21 games.

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Regarding how the injury occurred, it was in the third quarter when Ingram was defending Jalen Suggs on the perimeter. As Suggs drove to the basket he made contact with Ingram, who was moving laterally at the time. In that moment, the 26-year-old’s left knee appeared to bend at an awkward angle which resulted in him immediately going to the ground in obvious pain. Indeed, Ingram required assistance to rise to his feet and then in turn leave the game. Following the game, Pelicans head coach Willie Green was unable to give, however, he did disclose that Ingram would undergo an MRI to evaluate the damage. “Our prayers will be going up and hopefully we get some good news back,” Green said.

Given that the Pelicans only have 13 games left to play in the regular season, one has to consider the real possibility that Ingram may miss the postseason. Currently occupying the No. 5 seed in the conference and just two games ahead of the Kings, Suns, and Mavericks when it comes to losses, this is less than ideal-timing. Yet, one has to acknowledge the fact that the Pelicans’ roster depth has also played a major role in the team’s success this season. With Trey Murphy III - Ingram’s likely replacement - firing on all cylinders and Zion Williamson finally showcasing his obvious talent, it’s clear the team can handle itself without Ingram, however, the longer he’s absent, the more complicated that becomes.