Brandon Ingram returns to the court after missing 12 games due to injury but faces limited playing time in the recent game, with coach Willie Green opting for a different lineup. The Pelicans will need Ingram's contribution in the upcoming play-in game without Zion Williamson, sidelined by a hamstring injury. Despite Williamson's absence, the team's performance heavily relied on the bench players in the previous game.

• Ingram finished the game with 12 points while CJ McCollum had nine.
• Brandon Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists this season.

The Pelicans faced a deficit of 3.2 points per 100 possessions with Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum on the court together this season.

• Brandon Ingram is expected to have an increased role as the Pelicans rely more on him in future games.
• The Dallas Mavericks are emerging as a potential landing spot for the unrestricted free agent Klay Thompson, despite a recent performance slump.
• Dereck Lively II's status for the upcoming game is uncertain, but he participated in practice and showed promising movement.
• The Grizzlies are planning to add more size to their rotation for the next season, emphasizing the need for a strong presence alongside players like Jaren Jackson Jr.

Brandon Ingram is likely to have an increased role in the Pelicans' upcoming games as they rely on him more in the absence of Zion Williamson.

With Zion Williamson sidelined, Brandon Ingram's performance will be crucial for the Pelicans in future games, potentially shaping the team's success in the absence of their star player.