The New Orleans Pelicans (16-42) opted to hang onto their core at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, and one of those pieces could be rejoining the team as it embraces the stretch run of the season.
Having not played in over a year, G Dejounte Murray appears primed to take a victory lap. The one-time All-Star is done rehabbing from a torn Achilles, setting the scene for a full-circle moment on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the latest Dejounte Murray injury update and which New Orleans player could be impacted, including their PrizePicks player projections for Warriors vs. Pelicans.
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Dejounte Murray Injury Update vs. Warriors Tonight
On Tuesday’s official NBA injury report, Murray is listed as available with a designation for his right Achilles rupture.
Murray last played in an NBA game on January 31, 2025, when he originally suffered the injury. In eight minutes against the Boston Celtics in an eventual 118-116 loss, he notched 4 points and 5 rebounds on 2-of-6 shooting.
Now, the Pelicans have made it clear that Murray’s season debut is in the cards. How did he fare the last time the league saw him truly healthy?
Across 31 games a season ago, the former San Antonio Spurs standout averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists on an ugly 39.3% shooting. The year prior, as a member of the Atlanta Hawks, he poured in 22.5 points each night on 45.9% shooting.
It’s reasonable to expect Murray to be on a minutes restriction as he eases his way back into the fold.
Dejounte Murray Expected Return: Which Pelicans Player Could Be Most Impacted?
The player whose numbers and overall production could swing as a result of Murray’s anticipated return may be rookie Jeremiah Fears.
The No. 7 overall pick is leading the Pelicans as their presumed PG of the future, logging 88% of his minutes there versus 12% at SG. With that said, Murray has embraced an off-guard role in the recent past, with 38-62 and 22-76 PG-SG splits in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Fears has played in every possible game for New Orleans this season. In 58 outings, he averages 13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 42.7% shooting overall. His 3-point efficiency has dipped since the turn of the calendar to 2026, as he’s canning just 28.9% of those tries in that span.
Murray’s debut and subsequent ramp-up may not affect Fears too much. Over time, it’s worth monitoring how that veteran-rookie dynamic develops.
Jeremiah Fears vs. Warriors Projections, Picks
Here are some top Jeremiah Fears projections vs. the Warriors tonight, via PrizePicks.
- 12.5 Points
- 4 Rebounds
- 2.5 Assists (Goblin)
- 19.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 24.5 Fantasy Score
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Make Warriors vs. Pelicans Picks on PrizePicks
At long last, Dejounte Murray seems set to make his return to the hardwood. It’s the feel-good story of Tuesday’s hoops action, which fans can take to the next level with PrizePicks.
You can make your NBA picks on PrizePicks, earning real-money rewards if you’re right. Just pick at least two players and predict More or Less on their projected stats.
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