28Breakdown
Performance
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February 28, 2026
Resting Saturday
Murray (reconditioning) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Jazz.
Analysis
Murray made his 2025-26 regular-season debut against the Warriors on Tuesday after missing the first 58 games while recovering from a torn Achilles. He'll be sidelined for the first leg of the Pelicans' back-to-back set but has a good chance at being available for Sunday's contest against the Clippers. Bryce McGowens, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen figure to be the top candidates to enter New Orleans' starting lineup in Murray's absence.
February 27, 2026
Continues surge with minutes cap
Murray ended Thursday's 129-118 victory over Utah with 17 points (5-12 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 5-5 FT), three rebounds, nine assists, one block and four steals across 26 minutes.
Analysis
Murray turned in another solid total in his second game following a one-year absence, and he's showing no lingering effects of the Achilles injury or extended time off. However, the Pelicans will probably play it safe with Murray at some point during the upcoming back-to-back set, and he continues to operate under a minutes limit despite starting his first two appearances of the campaign.
February 25, 2026
Fares well in debut
Murray (Achilles) provided 13 points (5-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three assists, two rebounds and one steal across 25 minutes during Tuesday's 113-109 win over the Warriors.
Analysis
Playing in his first game since Jan. 31, 2025 after completing his recovery from surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, Murray stepped right into the starting five and delivered a fine performance, taking into account how much time he missed. Heading into Tuesday, interim head coach James Borrego told Erin Summers of the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network that he had a plan regarding how much playing time Murray would receive, and the point guard's restriction ended up being 25 minutes. The Pelicans will likely proceed cautiously with ramping Murray up and are expected to hold him out for one half of future back-to-back sets, but it may take the 29-year-old just a few more games before he's consistently playing over 30 minutes.
February 25, 2026
Starting in season debut
Murray (Achilles) will start at point guard in his season debut Tuesday against Golden State, Jake Madison of the "Locked On Pelicans" podcast reports.
Analysis
Murray will take the court for the first time since Jan. 31, 2025 after a lengthy recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon. The Pelicans will monitor his playing time closely, but Murray doesn't have a specific minute restriction in place. Derik Queen will shift to the bench to make room for Murray in the starting five.
February 23, 2026
Available for Tuesday
Murray (Achilles) has been cleared to play Tuesday against Golden State.
Analysis
Murray said Monday that he would make his season debut Tuesday against the Warriors, and the team confirmed this statement by listing the guard as available on the injury report. It remains to be seen how the Pelicans will choose to deploy the 29-year-old after such a long layoff. It wouldn't be a shock to see him come off the bench so the team is more easily able to control his workload.
February 23, 2026
Ready to make season debut
Murray (Achilles) said Monday that he'll play in Tuesday's game against the Warriors, Erin Summers of the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network reports.
Analysis
It sets the stage for Murray to make his highly anticipated return to the court after rupturing his Achilles in January of last year. The star guard may not start in his season debut, but he could eventually force someone like Saddiq Bey or Herbert Jones into a reserve role. Considering it's been over a full calendar year since Murray last suited up, he's likely to face a significant minutes restriction Tuesday.