Report: Pelicans optimistic Murphy will make season debut Friday

The New Orleans Pelicans are optimistic that wing Trey Murphy III will make his season debut on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania and Will Guillory.

Murphy partially tore his meniscus in September and was originally ruled out for 10-12 weeks.

He was a key contributor for the Pelicans last season, averaging 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in his second NBA campaign. Murphy was one of the most consistent 3-point threats on the team, knocking down 2.6 per game on 41% shooting from deep.

Pelicans guard CJ McCollum returned Wednesday night for the team's win against the Philadelphia 76ers. He recorded 20 points, five assists and four rebounds in 28 minutes.

New Orleans ranks eighth in the Western Conference with a 10-9 record.