NBA58 min ago2 minute read

Yves Missi Leaves Pelicans Game in Utah With Left Knee Injury

Pelicans center Yves Missi suffered a left knee injury against Utah on Friday and will undergo evaluation on Saturday.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Knee Injury in Salt Lake City

The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a tough setback on Friday night in Salt Lake City when starting center Yves Missi exited with a left leg injury. The play unfolded with 6:30 remaining in the second quarter of their game against the Utah Jazz. Zion Williamson drove to the basket for a shot, but Jaxson Hayes blocked the attempt. After the block, Williamson fell into Missi's leg.

The Cameroon native hit the floor along the baseline. He immediately held his knee and was writhing on the hardwood as play moved in the other direction. Utah guard Keyonte George capitalized by draining a 3 at the opposite end of the floor.

Mosley Protests as Missi Carried Off

New Orleans coach Jamahl Mosley was furious about the sequence. He ran onto the court to protest the missed call on the collision, which earned him a technical foul from the officials.

Meanwhile, medical personnel attended to Missi along the baseline. The big man did not appear able to put any weight on his left leg as team staff helped carry him off the court and back to the locker room. New Orleans soon ruled him out for the rest of the night with a left knee injury. Missi will undergo an evaluation on Saturday to determine the extent of the problem.

Strong Start Put on Hold

The injury pauses what had been an encouraging beginning to the year for Missi. Over the course of last season, he contributed with averages of 5.7 points and 5.8 rebounds.

He built on that foundation right away in the season opener. In the Pelicans' 123-120 opening loss to the Indiana Pacers, Missi turned in an impressive performance, racking up 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks.

What it means for the next game

New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets (NBA, Sun, 25 Oct): Denver Nuggets win 80%, New Orleans Pelicans win 20%; projected score Denver Nuggets 124, New Orleans Pelicans 114. Our safest pick: Nuggets to win.

Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Pelicans (NBA, Thu, 29 Oct): New Orleans Pelicans win 39%, Denver Nuggets win 61%; projected score New Orleans Pelicans 118, Denver Nuggets 121. Our safest pick: Pelicans +11.5.