Bryce McGowens remains day-to-day with a toe injury, and the Pelicans' injury report now says he is out for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves. The guard has carried the same day-to-day tag since early September, and this is the first game he has been specifically ruled out of.
What happened
The Pelicans listed Bryce McGowens as day-to-day on their injury report Tuesday at 11:03 PM ET, the same status he carried into this update. The report adds that McGowens, dealing with a toe injury, is out for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves. He first appeared on the team's injury timeline on Sept. 6, also day-to-day with a toe issue described as involving his right leg. No further detail on the injury or a return timeline is included in Tuesday's report.
What it means for the Pelicans
New Orleans' next game on the schedule is Thursday at the Heat at 7:30 PM ET, with the Sunday game against the Timberwolves still ahead of that in the preseason slate. McGowens averaged 8.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 21.0 minutes across 42 games last season. With him out, the Pelicans' backcourt minutes have gone to Dejounte Murray (27.8 minutes, 16.7 points) and rookie Jeremiah Fears (25.8 minutes, 14.3 points), while Trey Murphy III has logged the most minutes on the roster at 35.5. The Pelicans are 0-0, since the 2026-27 season has not started, so there is no record split with or without McGowens yet.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether McGowens' day-to-day status changes ahead of Thursday's game at the Heat or Sunday's game against the Timberwolves, which he has already been ruled out of. No expected return date has been announced. Both games remain on the schedule as the Pelicans continue their preseason slate.
Is Bryce McGowens playing at Heat on Thursday?
The injury report does not address Thursday's game directly. McGowens is listed as day-to-day with a toe injury, and the report specifically rules him out for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves.
When will Bryce McGowens be back?
Not announced. McGowens has been day-to-day with a toe injury since Sept. 6, and no expected return date has been given.