Pelicans' Marshall Nears Return, Kings' Huerter Out for Season

The New Orleans Pelicans received a potential boost on the injury front, while the Sacramento Kings suffered a significant loss heading into their pivotal Thursday night matchup.

Pelicans reserve forward Naji Marshall, who has missed the last two games with a left shoulder contusion, was upgraded to questionable on the team’s injury report Wednesday. His potential return would provide some depth for a New Orleans squad fighting for playoff positioning in the rugged Western Conference.

On the other side, Sacramento learned it will be without starting wing Kevin Huerter for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury suffered in Tuesday’s loss at Oklahoma City. Huerter has been a key cog, averaging 15.1 points while shooting 38.9% from 3-point range.

The Kings are also expected to be without super sub Malik Monk for at least the first portion of the playoffs as he recovers from a knee issue. Monk’s 13.8 points per game off the bench placed him squarely in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation.

Thursday’s matchup has massive implications for both teams’ postseason aspirations. The Pelicans (47-32) sit sixth in the West, while the Kings (45-34) reside in the eighth and final playoff spot. A potential first-round playoff preview looms.

New Orleans won the first four meetings this season by double digits, including a 133-100 drubbing in Sacramento on January 7. However, the Kings were short-handed in several of those contests.

If Marshall is able to return, he would provide another versatile piece off the bench for a Pelicans squad led by the high-scoring trio of CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson when healthy.

Ingram remains out with a left knee bone contusion, but McCollum has filled the scoring void by averaging 25.8 points over the last six games. Zion Williamson has also been a force with 25.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest during that stretch.

For the Kings, their depth will be tested with Huerter and potentially Monk sidelined, putting more pressure on De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and the starting unit to deliver. Thursday marks a prime opportunity for young wings like Keegan Murray to step up.

Buckle up for what could be an intense, playoff-like battle between two rising Western Conference contenders vying for prime postseason positioning. Every game down the stretch takes on heightened importance.