Raptors Fall to Pelicans in New Orleans, Playoff Push Faces Challenge

NEW ORLEANS – The Toronto Raptors’ hold on a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference is loosening after a 122-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The defeat dropped Toronto to seventh place, a half-game behind Orlando, and Miami.

Pelicans Surge Past Raptors

Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 28 points, while Dejounte Murray added 27 in his highest-scoring game since returning from a torn right Achilles tendon. Zion Williamson contributed 19 points for New Orleans, who have won seven of their last ten games.

Ingram Returns to New Orleans

The game marked Brandon Ingram’s first return to New Orleans since being traded to Toronto last February. He finished with 22 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals, but struggled in the second half, scoring just seven points. Would the Raptors be able to dig deep and get a win for Brandon Ingram? was a question heading into the game.

Raptors Struggle with Consistency

Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 25 points, but Toronto’s shooting woes continued. The team shot just 13-of-43 from three-point range. The Raptors fought back in the fourth quarter, trailing by only two points with 10:15 remaining, but were outscored 24-8 over the next eight minutes.

Injury Concerns

The Raptors were dealing with injury concerns heading into the game, with PF Collin Murray-Boyles (OUT – thumb), C Jakob Poeltl (QUESTIONABLE – illness), and C Trayce Jackson-Davis (OUT – finger). The Pelicans were as well missing SG Bryce McGowens (OUT – toe).

Looking Ahead

The Raptors will gaze to rebound when they host Phoenix on Friday. The Pelicans will travel to Houston on Friday.

FAQ

• What was the final score? The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Toronto Raptors 122-111.
• Who led the Pelicans in scoring? Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 28 points.
• Who led the Raptors in scoring? Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 25 points.
• When is the Raptors’ next game? The Raptors host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

The Raptors’ struggles against teams higher in the NBA hierarchy are becoming a concern as the playoffs approach. Their ability to consistently hit open shots and close out games will be crucial in their pursuit of a top-six seed.