New Orleans’ second unit played a vital role Tuesday in erasing a 15-point second-half deficit at Detroit, allowing the Pelicans to even their record at 1-1 on a road trip against Central Division opponents. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, two members of that group will not be available to play Friday at Denver in the team’s third road game of this week. Willy Hernangomez and Garrett Temple were placed in health and safety protocols and are listed as out on Thursday afternoon’s official injury update by the team.
Hernangomez and Temple join Kira Lewis Jr. (right knee ACL/MCL sprain), Didi Louzada (health and safety protocols) and Zion Williamson (right foot fracture) as out for New Orleans.