Brandon Ingram, the New Orleans Pelicans high-scoring wing who has missed the last 12 games due to a left knee injury, is returning for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Brandon Ingram has scored an average of 20.9 points in 63 games this season. Coach Willie Green indicated Ingram might be limited to minimal minutes in his first game action since March 21.
As Brandon Ingram was not available New Orleans Pelicans won seven games and lost five games overall, they won 49 games and lost 32 games with one game left to play. As he makes a return it helps to boost the chances of New Orleans Pelicans to get into playoffs.
Willie Green was pleased to see Brandom Ingram coming back to play one game for the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the postseason. According to AP News, “For timing and rhythm for the team, it was important to get him back as soon as possible,” Green said before tipoff.
Brandon Ingram means a lot to our group - Willie Green
As the New Orleans Pelicans aim to finish the regular season in sixth position in the Western Conference Brandon Ingram's return will boost their hope to lock their spot in playoffs without playing play-in tournament. With a win or a defeat by the Phoenix Suns, the Pelicans may secure sixth place. The Lakers came in aiming for a win to secure the eighth spot, which gives them an easier road to the playoffs than a ninth or tenth-seed.
According to AP News, New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green stated that Ingram “means a lot to our group.” “Not having him, there were some games that we needed his production, and adding him back to this team as another scorer, another wing defender — he can rebound, he can pass, there are so many things that he can do on the floor — that helps us win.”