NEW ORLEANS — Pelicans star forward Brandon Ingram has been placed in the NBA's concussion protocol and the timetable for his return to the lineup is uncertain. The news was first reported by Erin Summers of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Three Pelicans starters are hurting after the team's OT loss to Utah but none appear to have anything that will keep them out long term.
Reports from Andrew Lopez of ESPN andSummers of the Pelicans were that head coach Willie Green said that Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Herb Jones are all questionable for Tuesday's contest with Dallas. However, given the concussion diagnosis, Ingram is likely out for that contest at a minimum..
Ingram left Sunday night's game with what was described as a head injury and later diagnosed as a concussion.
The league's concussion protocol cannot begin until at least 24 hours after the injury and there is a "return to participation process" that Ingram will have to undergo and pass before returning.
He took a shot to the head in the Jazz game and was on the bench for a bit before heading into the locker room.
Zion Williamson injured his hip during a fall late in the game. He stayed on the court for a bit but then left for good.
Jones had some type of knee issue and, according to Lopez's report, had some imaging done and he was found not to have major issues.
The Pelicans started out 2-0 on the road before returning home Sunday. A late rally led by C.J. McCollum couldn't overcome the deficit in overtime.
The Pelicans are hyped to be one of the most improved teams in the NBA this season as they snuck into the playoffs last year and pushed the Phoenix Suns to six games before falling. That was after starting the season 1-13 and playing the entire season without Williamson. With Zion back, the team is picked by many to make the playoffs and perhaps a nice postseason run.