David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 23, 2024
Posted in
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is out until at least mid-April with a left knee bone bruise he suffered Thursday against the Orlando Magic.
By video, Ingram suffered a knee hyperextension, causing the bone bruise, while on defense early in the third quarter. Ingram slid to try and stay in front of a driving Jalen Suggs, but he got bumped and took an awkward step on his left leg before going down with the injury.
Bone bruises are tricky to recover from as the recovery timeline varies depending on the damage and they cannot be played through without delaying the recovery process.
A best case scenario could have Ingram back for the first round of the playoffs, but he will not be 100% healthy and will have to get over the rust of not playing for more than three weeks at that point.
NBA Inside Shams Charania reported that Ingram suffered the bone bruise and will miss at least the next two weeks.
However, that does not mean he will be ready to return in two weeks, just that he will be re-evaluated then.
As of Friday night, the Pelicans (43-27) have a two game lead on the Dallas Mavericks with 12 regular season games remaining. The last regular season game is three weeks away, which leaves a tight timeline for Ingram to get healthy for the postseason.
More than likely he will miss a few games or play limited minutes in the opening round matchup if the Pelicans can secure a spot out of the play-in tournament.
The former Lakers draft pick is averaging 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season while shooting 49% from the field and 35.3% from the 3-point line.
Written by David Chao, MD
