Bryce McGowens has been upgraded to day-to-day status with a right toe injury after sitting out Sunday's game against the Timberwolves. The Pelicans list an expected return date of Oct. 1, ahead of their next scheduled game.
What happened
McGowens is now listed as day-to-day with a right toe injury, according to the injury report filed Sunday at 4:32 a.m. ET. He had no previous status entry before this report. The report's comment notes McGowens was out for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves because of the toe issue. The report lists an expected return date of Oct. 1. No other detail on the injury has been announced.
What it means for the Pelicans
New Orleans next plays at the Thunder on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Last season McGowens averaged 21.0 minutes, 8.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 42 games. In games without him, the Pelicans' rotation has featured Trey Murphy III at 35.5 minutes and 21.5 points, Dejounte Murray at 27.8 minutes and 16.7 points, and Jeremiah Fears at 25.8 minutes and 14.3 points, among others. The Pelicans are 0-0 since the 2026-27 season has not started, so there is no record with or without McGowens yet this season.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether McGowens' status changes ahead of the Oct. 6 game at Oklahoma City. His expected return date is listed as Oct. 1, which falls before that matchup. No other games between now and then have been specified. His participation for the Thunder game has not been announced.
Is Bryce McGowens playing at the Thunder?
It has not been announced. McGowens is listed as day-to-day with a right toe injury, and his expected return date of Oct. 1 comes before the Oct. 6 game at Oklahoma City, but his status for that specific game has not been confirmed.
When will Bryce McGowens be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 1. No further timeline has been announced.