Pelicans' Nance out 4-6 weeks after re-aggravating fractured rib

New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. re-aggravated his right rib fracture and will miss approximately four-to-six weeks, the team announced Thursday.

Nance was first diagnosed with the injury Nov. 13 and missed four games. He was cleared to return Nov. 22 against the Sacramento Kings and played in New Orleans' subsequent three contests before being held out Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers due to illness.

The Pelicans did receive some good news Thursday, as third-year wing Trey Murphy III is reportedly in line to make his season debut Friday against the San Antonio Spurs.

Murphy underwent meniscus surgery on his left knee in September and was projected to miss 10-to-12 weeks. Murphy enjoyed a breakout 2022-23 sophomore campaign, scoring 14.5 points per game on shooting splits of 48.4/40.6/90.5 while also being one of New Orleans' strongest defenders.

Nance, 30, has made 14 appearances this season, all as a reserve. He's averaging 3.5 points and 4.1 rebounds, both career lows, and playing just 15.1 minutes per game.