The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to be without one of their top players for a significant amount of time, according to an ESPN report.
Brandon Ingram, who left Saturday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with 11:43 remaining in the third quarter, was diagnosed with "a significant low left ankle sprain", according to the report.
The injury occurred as Ingram landed awkwardly while trying to shoot a jumper over OKC’s Lu Dort. Ingram was unable to put any weight on his left leg and had to be helped to the locker room by teammates Yves Missi and Trey Jemison.
It was Ingram’s second game back after he missed the previous five games with a calf injury.
“Extremely tough to see B.I. go down,” Pelicans' coach Willie Green said after the 119-109 loss “Adversity once again. He had a really good game coming back (Thursday) and a few good practices. To see a play like that is just a tough break for us.”
Ingram, who has played in 18 games, is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists.
This is the latest blow for the Pelicans (5-18), decimated by injuries all season.
Zion Williamson has missed 18 games with a hamstring injury and will be re-evaluated in a little over a week.
The Pelicans have used 16 different starting lineups this season. They will likely use a 17th different one when they play Sunday on the road against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Pels will likely start Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy and Missi.