New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram has been diagnosed with a high-grade low left ankle sprain and is out indefinitely, the team announced on Sunday.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram suffered a high-grade low left ankle sprain against the Oklahoma City Thunder
Medical imaging confirmed the ankle sprain. The Pelicans said a return to play timeline will be determined by how Ingram responds to treatment and rehab. He will likely miss extended time, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 27-year-old sustained the injury during Saturday night’s 119-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ingram rolled his ankle when he landed on the foot of Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort after attempting a jump shot.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward Brandon Ingram has been diagnosed with a high-grade low left ankle sprain.
His return to play timeline will be determined by how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation. Further updates will be distributed appropriately.…
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 8, 2024
Ingram, whose elbow struck Dort in the face as he was going up for the shot, was whistled for an offensive foul. The 6-foot-8 wing had to be helped off the floor and to the locker room. He left the Pelicans’ home arena in a boot and crutches.
The Duke product missed five games due to right plantaris tendonitis before returning for Thursday’s win over the Phoenix Suns, when he scored 29 points as the Pelicans ended their nine-game skid.
Ingram is in the final season of a five-year, $158 million contract
Through 18 games (all starts), Ingram has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 33.1 minutes per contest while shooting 46.5% from the field, 37.4% from 3-point range, and 85.5% at the foul line.
Additionally, he scored a season-high 33 points in New Orleans’ season-opener victory over the Chicago Bulls. Ingram has never played more than 64 games in a season with the Pelicans.
Ingram was an All-Star in his first season with New Orleans and then signed a five-year, $158 million max contract with the organization in November 2020. He’s currently in the final season of his multi-year deal.
Last week, Ingram also signed with a new agency, Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports Group. The North Carolina native was previously represented by Excel Sports Management.
New Orleans and Klutch Sports will have to negotiate a new deal next summer if Ingram plans to re-sign. The Pelicans could potentially trade him before the Feb. 8, 2025, deadline as well.
