Pelicans' Trey Murphy III to miss Bucks game with shoulder injury

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III will miss Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to a right shoulder contusion. Murphy, who is averaging a career-high 22.1 points per game this season, suffered the injury shortly after the All-Star break. The Pelicans and Bucks are both struggling this year, with New Orleans ranked 14th in the Western Conference and Milwaukee 11th in the East.

Why it matters

Trey Murphy III has been one of the Pelicans' most consistent and productive players this season, so his absence will be a significant blow as they take on the Bucks. The game was expected to be a matchup of two underperforming teams, and Murphy's injury could further tilt the scales in Milwaukee's favor.

The details

Murphy is dealing with a right shoulder contusion and is listed as doubtful for Friday's game. This will be just the fifth game he has missed this season, as he has been remarkably durable. In the previous matchup between the Pelicans and Bucks on February 4, Murphy led New Orleans with 44 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, but his team still fell 141-137.

• Trey Murphy III suffered the shoulder injury shortly after the All-Star break.
• The Pelicans and Bucks are set to face off on Friday, February 20, 2026.

What’s next

The Pelicans will have to find a way to compete against the Bucks without their star forward Trey Murphy III, who is doubtful to play due to a shoulder injury.