Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray returns from toe injury for season opener
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray started Wednesday's opener against the Pacers after a toe injury cost three preseason games.
His return keeps New Orleans at full strength as it opens the season.
Background
Dejounte Murray is a New Orleans Pelicans guard entering his third season with the team, averaging 17.2 points and 7.0 assists since arriving. He hurt his toe on the second day of training camp when it was stepped on, sat out the final three preseason games and was listed as questionable for the Oct. 21 opener against the Indiana Pacers. He returned to full practice and was cleared to start at point guard, with Jeremiah Fears as his backup.
How it unfolded
- Oct 7, 2026Murray played his only preseason game, posting six points, six assists and four rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Oct 16, 2026Murray was ruled out of the preseason finale against the Wizards with a toe issue and was questionable for the Oct. 21 opener.
- Oct 19, 2026Murray practiced fully at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center and said he expected to play in Wednesday's opener against the Pacers.
- Oct 21, 2026Murray was active and started for the Pelicans against the Indiana Pacers.
Who’s saying what
- Player
- Murray said he feels great and that the team was just being cautious while waiting for the swelling in his toe to go down.
- Analysts
- Reports said Murray had been a full practice participant and would return to his usual starting point guard role, with Jeremiah Fears as backup.
Still unverified
Before the opener, Murray was listed as questionable for the Oct. 21 game against the Pacers; an Oct. 15 availability update noted such statuses reflect preparation and may change.