Pelicans' Nightmare Roster: 5 Key Players On Today's Injury Report And Latest Return Timelines (Dec 16, 2025)

The New Orleans Pelicans are once again navigating a challenging stretch of the NBA season, with the official injury report for today, December 16, 2025, revealing significant absences that continue to test the team’s depth and playoff aspirations. The biggest concerns revolve around two of the team's most critical offensive forces, Brandon Ingram and the surprising, unannounced absence of star guard Jordan Poole, forcing the rest of the roster to absorb massive offensive responsibilities.

As of this current date, the Pelicans are dealing with a complex mix of long-term injuries, day-to-day soreness, and critical two-way assignments, leaving Head Coach James Borrego with a severely shortened rotation. While the recent return of Zion Williamson provides a glimmer of hope, the extended absences of key rotation players are creating a volatile situation for the team's immediate future.

New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report: The Definitive List for December 16, 2025

The following is the most current and comprehensive breakdown of the New Orleans Pelicans' active injury report and player statuses, impacting their upcoming schedule and rotation:

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Brandon Ingram (SF): OUT (High-Ankle Sprain). Ingram has been sidelined for over seven weeks with a Grade 2 high-ankle sprain, an injury that typically carries a 4-to-6-week recovery timeline. His return remains uncertain, and the team is expected to be extremely cautious with their All-Star forward.
• Jordan Poole (SG/PG): OUT (Undisclosed). Poole was a surprising addition to the recent injury reports, having missed multiple games this month, including the recent matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. The specific nature of his injury has not been officially detailed, but his absence is a major blow to the backcourt.
• Trey Murphy III (SF): OUT (Right Elbow Soreness). Murphy III, a crucial 3-and-D wing, has been ruled out of recent contests due to persistent soreness in his right elbow. His status is considered day-to-day, but the team is managing his discomfort closely.
• Zion Williamson (PF): PROBABLE (Right Adductor Strain Management). Williamson recently made his return from a five-game absence due to a right adductor strain, coming off the bench in his first game back. While he is playing, he remains on the injury report for management purposes, and his status will likely be monitored on a game-by-game basis.
• Yves Missi (C): QUESTIONABLE (Right Foot/Ankle Sprain). The rookie center is dealing with a lower-body sprain. While not a primary rotation player, his potential absence further thins the frontcourt depth behind Jonas Valančiūnas and Larry Nance Jr.
• Trey Alexander (G): OUT (G League - Two-Way). Alexander is unavailable for the active roster as he is currently on assignment with the team’s G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron.

The Long-Term Losses: Ingram's High-Ankle Sprain and Poole's Absence

The biggest story on the injury report is the continued, frustrating recovery of Brandon Ingram. A high-ankle sprain is notoriously difficult to manage, particularly for a player whose game relies heavily on explosive cuts and lateral movement. The fact that he has missed more time than the typical recovery window suggests the team is prioritizing his long-term health over a rushed return to a grueling schedule. His absence has left a massive hole in the Pelicans' primary scoring and playmaking duties, forcing the offense to rely more heavily on Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum.

The unexpected status of Jordan Poole adds a layer of mystery and concern to the Pelicans' backcourt. Poole was acquired to be a dynamic, high-volume scorer, and his sudden removal from the lineup without a clear injury designation is highly unusual. Whether this is a minor injury or a brief period of personal leave, the lack of his 20+ points per game production is keenly felt, especially in close-game situations where the Pelicans need a reliable shot-creator.

Furthermore, the status of Trey Murphy III, while less severe than Ingram's, is equally impactful. Murphy III is one of the team's best perimeter defenders and a high-volume three-point shooter. His right elbow soreness directly affects his shooting motion, making him a liability if he were to play through it. The Pelicans are exercising caution, remembering his successful recovery from a previous shoulder issue, ensuring that their key rotational wing is fully healthy before re-entering the lineup.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Roster Depth Test: How the Healthy Pelicans Roster is Responding

With Ingram, Poole, and Murphy III all missing time, the pressure to perform has shifted dramatically to the remaining healthy core. This is where the true test of the Pelicans' roster depth, a key component of their topical authority, comes into play. The team's ability to stay competitive hinges on the performance of several key entities.

Zion Williamson's Return and Load Management

The return of Zion Williamson from his adductor strain is the most positive news, but his conditioning and durability will be under constant scrutiny. The team is likely implementing strict load management protocols, which is why he is still listed on the report. His minutes and back-to-back appearances will be crucial indicators of his full recovery. When Zion is on the court, his elite scoring, rebounding, and unique ability to create mismatches are irreplaceable.

The Veteran Backcourt and Role Players Stepping Up

Veteran guard CJ McCollum has been forced into a primary playmaking role, having to carry a significant portion of the offensive burden in the absence of Ingram and Poole. His leadership and consistent scoring are paramount. Alongside him, players like Jose Alvarado and Dyson Daniels are seeing increased minutes and responsibility. Alvarado provides defensive intensity and spark off the bench, while Daniels is being relied upon for his versatile defense and developing offensive game.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

In the frontcourt, Jonas Valančiūnas remains a steady presence, providing rebounding and interior scoring. His backup, Larry Nance Jr., is a vital glue guy whose defensive versatility and passing are essential to the second unit. Other role players who must continue to deliver include Naji Marshall, who provides toughness and scoring bursts, and Herb Jones, whose elite perimeter defense is always needed, especially against opposing stars.

The Pelicans' success in December 2025 will not be defined by their star power, but by the collective effort and performance of their supporting cast. The team's ability to integrate players like Jaxson Hayes, Kira Lewis Jr., and two-way contributors like E.J. Liddell and Dereon Seabron into meaningful rotation minutes will determine if they can weather this storm of injuries and keep pace in the highly competitive Western Conference.