Josh Hart suffered a torn UCL in his right thumb in Thursday’s overtime loss to the Magic. No timetable is currently set for his potential return.
Hart appeared after the game for the post-game presser with a wrap and splint on his thumb but joked about the severity of the injury. However, the Pelicans announced on Friday just prior to game time that he underwent an MRI that revealed the injury.
Per The Athletic’s Will Guillory, there’s a “strong likelihood” the injury will require surgery.
This season, Hart is averaging 9.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 32.6% from the 3-point line. Prior to Friday, Hart had not missed a game this season, the lone Pelican to do so. One of the few constants for New Orleans, Hart is fourth in total minutes this year despite coming off the bench despite starting just four games all season.
Given the Pelicans position outside the playoffs looking in, Hart’s injury is particularly damaging. And given the Pelicans injury situation, which sees Hart join Lonzo Ball, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Steven Adams out for Friday’s game, the situation is particularly dire currently for New Orleans.
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