Murray’s Return: Pelicans vs. Warriors Matchup Preview
The NBA landscape is shifting rapidly as we head into the final stretch of the 2025/26 regular season. While headlines off the court have been dominated by the news that a grand jury declined to indict veteran guard Patrick Beverley in a family violence case, the focus on Tuesday night shifts squarely to the hardwood. The New Orleans Pelicans are set to host the Golden State Warriors in a game that carries immense weight for the Western Conference playoff picture, headlined by the anticipated return of a franchise cornerstone.
The Return of Dejounte Murray
The headline story in New Orleans is the return of Dejounte Murray. After a grueling recovery from a ruptured Achilles, Murray is expected to make his season debut this Tuesday. His absence has been a significant hurdle for a Pelicans squad that has struggled to find consistent playmaking and perimeter defense. Murray’s return isn’t just about adding talent; it’s about restoring the team’s defensive identity and providing a secondary scoring punch alongside Zion Williamson.
However, expectations must be tempered. Coming back from an Achilles injury is one of the most difficult challenges in professional sports. The Pelicans’ coaching staff will likely have Murray on a strict minutes restriction as he reintegrates into a lineup that has had to evolve without him. How quickly he can regain his lateral quickness and explosive first step will be the key factor in New Orleans’ ability to climb the standings in the coming weeks.
Stakes and Western Conference Dynamics
The Golden State Warriors arrive in New Orleans during a week where the league’s hierarchy is being tested. With the San Antonio Spurs currently looking like the team to beat—fresh off a physical victory over the Pistons to extend their winning streak to nine—every other contender is playing catch-up. The Warriors remain a formidable opponent, relying on their championship DNA and a system that punishes defensive lapses, something the Pelicans have been prone to recently.
This matchup is a clash of styles. The Pelicans will look to dominate the paint and use their size advantage, while the Warriors will aim to stretch the floor. For New Orleans, this game starts a critical home stand. With news elsewhere that the Phoenix Suns will be without Dillon Brooks for over a month and the Utah Jazz losing Jusuf Nurkic for the season, the door is wide open for the Pelicans to solidify their position. They must capitalize on these injuries to rival teams, but first, they must navigate the challenge of integrating a returning star against a disciplined Golden State squad.
Why This Game Is Unmissable
Beyond the tactical battle, this game represents a turning point for the Pelicans’ season. It is the first time we will see the full vision of this roster in 2026. On the other side, the Warriors are looking to prove they can still spoil the homecoming of a returning star. With the Sacramento Kings finally snapping their historic 16-game skid on Monday, the bottom of the Western Conference is showing signs of life, meaning no team can afford a mid-February slump.
Will Murray’s presence provide the emotional and defensive spark the Pelicans need, or will the Warriors’ experience and chemistry expose the rust of a returning player? In a season where the Spurs are setting a blistering pace, this Tuesday night showdown is a vital litmus test for two teams with aspirations of a deep postseason run.
