March 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball while Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) defends during the second quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Brandon Ingram is set to return to New Orleans for the first time since being dealt at last season’s trade deadline when the Toronto Raptors visit the Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Ingram played for the Pelicans for more than five seasons, averaging 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.
In his first season in Toronto, he was the leading scorer (21.5 ppg) for a Raptors team contending for a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
But Toronto lost for the fifth time in seven games, losing 113-99 at Houston on Tuesday. The Rockets led the Raptors 52-30 in a close game in the second half of the first half.
“Rebounding was definitely a big part of the game,” Toronto coach Darko Rajkovic said. “We didn’t play well enough in the first half. They continued to dominate the glass throughout the game.
“… We didn’t transition well enough in transition and that was a big problem there. Honestly, we had a lot of wide-open shots that didn’t go in.”
RJ Barrett had 25 points and Scottie Barnes added 24 for the Raptors.
This has been a tough season for New Orleans, but there have been positive signs over the past few weeks. The Pelicans have won 11 of their last 20 games and match last season’s win total (21) with 16 games remaining.
After tearing his Achilles tendon last season, Dejounte Murray gave New Orleans a boost. He is averaging 16.0 points through six games and is shooting 89.3% from the free throw line.
“He’s playing freely, he’s an All-Star, and I think the mentality where he is is one of gratitude,” Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said. “It was taken away from him, and now he feels grateful to be back on the floor.”
New Orleans defeated Washington 138-118 on Monday night. This was the Pelicans’ fourth win of the season by more than 20 points.
Zion Williamson has been relatively healthy for New Orleans this season, appearing in 49 games (42 starts) and averaging 21.5 points per game.
Trey Murphy III had his best season as a Pelicans pro, leading the team with an average of 22.0 points per game. The 3-point shot success rate is 38.5%.
“We’re getting better. Keep pounding on the rock,” Borrego said. “They’re playing better. They’re competing to win games. We’re far from where we need to be, but we’re definitely making progress.”
Pelican rookies Jeremiah Pierce (13.2 points) and Derek Quinn (11.9 points) ranked in the top 10 among rookie scorers.
New Orleans is poor on defense, ranking 27th in the NBA in average points allowed (120.2) and tied for 26th in the league with a 3-point shooting percentage of 32.4%.
The Raptors won both meetings last season. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Toronto on March 27.
–Field level media
