The New Orleans Pelicans entered Wednesday night’s home date with the Brooklyn Nets in a familiar bind: short-handed, searching, and hoping the next man up would carry them through. The headliner of the final injury report told the story. Herb Jones (right ankle sprain) was ruled out, removing New Orleans’ top perimeter stopper and a key two-way piece from a game the team still views as winnable.

Tip was set for 8 p.m. EST at Smoothie King Center in Orleans, with the Pelicans at 9–33 after a tough home loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Nets arrived with a shorter injury list and the benefit of rest, while New Orleans braced for another night of patchwork rotations.

Herb Jones injury update and timeline

Jones’ ankle sprain dates back to December 22 against the Mavericks. He returned on January 6 versus the Lakers after seven games out, but the recovery has been tricky since. He was held out again on January 14 against the Nets, marking his fifth straight absence from that point forward. The Pelicans’ next opportunity to get him back is Friday against the Pacers.

The numbers underline his value. Without Jones, the Pelicans are 2–17. He’s missed 11 of the team’s last 12 games, and each absence strips New Orleans of a leader who guards the opponent’s best wing, organizes the defense, and adds smart cutting on offense. That kind of glue is hard to replace, especially for a team already fighting to find rhythm.

Pelicans’ injury report: more minutes for Hawkins and Bey

It wasn’t just Jones on the shelf. Jose Alvarado (left oblique strain) is out, taking away an energy guard who changes pace and creates steals. Hunter Dickinson (G League two-way) is out as well, tightening frontcourt depth.

The ripple effect is clear. Jordan Hawkins and Saddiq Bey were expected to see larger roles. Hawkins’ shooting and movement can open the floor. Bey brings size on the wing and a simple, strong scoring game that helps stabilize lineups. Together, they may need to handle tougher defensive matchups and more shot creation than usual.

There are bright spots. Trey Murphy III just poured in 31 points and 5 rebounds against the Nuggets, showing a clean shooting rhythm and the confidence to be a first-option scorer. Bey added 17 points and 4 boards in that game, a reminder that he can plug gaps and keep the offense afloat when touches are spread around.

“When Herb sits, the identity sits. Can Murphy and Hawkins carry that load for 48?”

Nets’ final injury report and the rest factor

Brooklyn’s side of the sheet was shorter. Ziaire Williams (illness) is ruled out, and Haywood Highsmith (right knee surgery recovery) is out. Even with those absences, the Nets held the advantage of not playing the night before, while the Pelicans are in the middle of managing bodies and minutes. In a league where details matter, fresh legs and a cleaner rotation can tilt a tight matchup.

For New Orleans, the counter is simple: start fast, protect the ball, and win the effort stats. Without Jones, every 50–50 play and every contested rebound becomes a way to steal possessions and swing momentum back to the home side.

Why this still feels winnable for New Orleans

Even with the injuries, the Pelicans saw this as a chance to bank a result. Here’s why:

• Home floor: Smoothie King Center can lift a short-handed group. Early energy helps the Pelicans settle into their defensive shell.
• Shotmaking form: Murphy is in rhythm. If Hawkins and Bey hit early threes, spacing improves and driving lanes open.
• Defined roles: With key players out, responsibilities get clearer. Simpler can be better, especially for a team trying to rebuild confidence.

On defense, expect New Orleans to pack the paint and close out hard on shooters by committee. Without Jones, they’ll need sharp communication and fewer gambles. On offense, quick decisions and ball movement are vital. The Pelicans don’t need to out-fancy the Nets; they need to string together solid possessions and avoid empty trips.

“If the threes fall early, this flips. If they don’t, it’s a grind to 48.”

The Herb factor: beyond the box score

Jones doesn’t always light up the stat sheet, but his impact stretches across the court. He guards the toughest assignments. He makes the extra rotation. He calms a possession by making the right pass. That’s why the 2–17 record without him stings: it highlights how much of the team’s defensive identity runs through his presence.

Until he returns — potentially Friday against the Pacers — the Pelicans must recreate that identity together. That means more talk on defense, more trust in help, and more simple, strong plays on offense. It’s not flashy, but it’s the path that can steady a season.

“This group needs a clean game: low turnovers, high effort, and Murphy in attack mode.”

Setting the scene: game details and context

Venue: Smoothie King Center (Orleans)
Time: 8 p.m. EST
Pelicans record: 9–33

New Orleans is coming off a home loss to the Nuggets, where Murphy and Bey led the scoring charge. There’s no hiding from the record, but there is room for a lift. A locked-in effort against the Nets, even short-handed, can be a building block — a reminder that the season can still bend toward better habits and better results.

Final word

Herb Jones’ absence is the headline, and it should be. He’s the Pelicans’ defensive heartbeat. But there are still ways to win, even without your heartbeat on the floor. For New Orleans, it starts with Murphy’s scoring punch, Hawkins’ spacing, Bey’s sturdy minutes, and a team-wide promise to guard together.

Wednesday night offered a test the Pelicans could pass if they played clean, controlled basketball. The next chapter — possibly Friday, if Jones is cleared — could arrive just in time to steady the arc of a hard season.

Injury statuses and game context via Athlon Sports, Sports Illustrated, RotoWire, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and the official Pelicans website (pelicans.com).