Pelicans Shorthanded as They Face Jazz

Key injuries to Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi leave New Orleans depleted against Utah

Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:37am

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The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, but they will be without several key players due to injuries. Trey Murphy III is out with a right shoulder contusion, and Yves Missi is sidelined with a left calf strain. The Pelicans have been dealing with multiple injuries this season, and this latest setback comes as they try to build on their recent momentum of back-to-back wins.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have been struggling this season with a 17-42 record, and the absence of Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi is a significant blow as they try to improve their standing. The Jazz are also dealing with their own injury concerns, which could impact the competitiveness of the matchup.

The details

The Pelicans will be without Trey Murphy III, who has been a key contributor this season, as well as Yves Missi. The team is also missing Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson, who are on two-way contracts and assigned to the G League. On the Jazz side, they will be without several players, including Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler, Jusuf Nurkic, and Vince Williams Jr. Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George are also listed as questionable.

  • The Pelicans and Jazz will face off on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Trey Murphy III

A key wing player for the Pelicans who is sidelined with a right shoulder contusion.

Yves Missi

A Pelicans player who is out due to a left calf strain.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A Jazz player who is out due to left knee recovery.

Walker Kessler

A Jazz player who is out due to left shoulder recovery.

Jusuf Nurkic

A Jazz player who is out due to a nose injury recovery.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to compete and win despite the injuries. Our team has shown resilience, and we'll need that again tonight against a tough Jazz squad.”

— Willie Green, Head Coach, New Orleans Pelicans (Pelicans Press Release)

What’s next

The Pelicans and Jazz will face off again on Saturday, March 1, 2026, providing another opportunity for both teams to build momentum and improve their standings in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Pelicans' injury woes continue to plague them as they try to turn their season around, while the Jazz also face their own challenges with a depleted roster. This game will test the depth and resilience of both teams as they look to gain an advantage in the competitive Western Conference.