NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The New Orleans Pelicans will enter their season opener with a healthy roster, as all five starters are expected to be available for Wednesday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The lineup includes sharpshooter Trey Murphy III, who is returning from a shoulder injury that ended his season early last year. Murphy was having his best professional season before the injury sidelined him for the final month.
The Pelicans finished with a franchise-low 21 wins last season. The team hopes Murphy’s return to form will help them return to playoff contention and potentially earn him his first NBA All-Star game appearance.
Murphy said he is looking forward to playing in a season opener again.
“Now, in my fifth year, I feel like I know, I don’t know everything, but I feel like I know a lot and a good amount, so I know what to expect, and I’m just grateful,” Murphy said.
Murphy played only 53 games last season due to a shoulder injury, marking his career low for games played.
“Oh, really excited. I’m really thankful as well. I mean, the people that helped me with my shoulder rehab, did a phenomenal job. I don’t feel like I even had any, I didn’t feel like I had surgery, so I’m thankful for that,” Murphy said. “And, you know, once you’re hurt, you start to really miss and appreciate basketball a lot more. So, I’m just glad to be able to start this home. I mean, start this season opener for the first time since my second year, actually.”
The game tips off at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Memphis and will be broadcast on the Gulf Coast Sports Entertainment Network and Fox 8.
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