Ingram and Williamson primed to take their game to the next level

Ingram kicked off Wednesday's game against Chicago on a high note, scoring 33 points on 56% shooting while also grabbing seven rebounds and recording two steals. After missing a significant amount of time in each of the last three seasons, Ingram is determined to showcase his full potential this year. His previous career best in points per game was in the 2023 season, where he averaged 24.7 PPG. Improving his efficiency from beyond the arc could be the key for Ingram to reach a new level of performance.

Ingram has a career 3-point percentage of 36.3 and it was just two seasons ago during his aforementioned best-scoring season that he shot 39% from deep. One game is obviously a small sample, but Ingram canned three of five attempts from beyond the arc in the season opener, which showed efficiency and an increased willingness to fire from deep. Ingram averaged over 6.0 3-point attempts per game in 2020 and 2021 but it has not been as big of a part of his game in recent years (3.8 3PA/G). With Murray out, Ingram’s perimeter shooting could become a bigger point of emphasis. 

Zion Williamson, who missed the opener with an illness but is ready to make a debut tonight against the Trail Blazers, will be equally vital to the Pelicans holding serve in Murray’s absence. Williamson ended last season on a heater, averaging 25.8 points per game to go with 6.1 rebounds and nearly 2.0 steals in his last 10 outings. 

Williamson has flashed superstar potential through his first four seasons, but significant missed time has been a frustrating part of the story so far. Last season, when he played 70 games and averaged 31 minutes per game, gave a glimpse of what a full season of Williamson looks like. 

Williamson had a 29.5% usage rate last season and that figure could increase as the Pelicans adjust during Murray’s absence. 

CJ McCollum, who makes his return to Portland tonight, is another key piece for the Pelicans both now and going forward. The 33-year-old could see increased minutes at point guard in Murray’s absence after projecting to mostly handle shooting guard duties. He dropped 23 points in the opener with five made threes in the win and his ability to facilitate over the next month will be vital.

Among the other players looking at role increases during Murray’s absence, Jose Alvarado should be presented with an opportunity for more playing time. Alvarado has topped out at 21.5 minutes per game earlier in his career and could be looking at something similar over the next few weeks. 

Be sure to catch the Pelicans and Trail Blazers tonight on NBA League Pass (10 ET).