Unfortunate news just boosted Pelicans' chances on tough road trip

The New Orleans Pelicans have started off the year 2-1. The general sentiment around the team may be soberingly pessimistic, but there's good news and bad news for this team and their beginning to the season so far.

The good news is that they've got a winning record despite dealing with a multitude of injuries. Through three games, New Orleans has had Zion Williamson out for one matchup due to illness, Dejounte Murray out for two with a fractured left hand, and Trey Murphy III out for all three with a hamstring strain. TMIII should be back soon, but Murray is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks after successful surgery.

The bad news is that they've only mustered a 2-1 record after taking on the Chicago Bulls once and the Portland Trail Blazers twice, both of which are teams are in the fledgling stages of their rebuilds. They also needed a fiery fourth-quarter comeback to pull out their win against the Blazers before getting blown out by the same team two days later.

In worse news, the Pelicans' schedule is about to get a lot tougher. They've still got two games left in this long, early-season road trip before starting a four-game homestand against the Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Blazers, and Cleveland Cavaliers. A recent injury report was released that offers New Orleans a much better chance to end their extended gallivant on a good note.

Stephen Curry ruled out for both games against the Pelicans

The Pelicans will be wrapping up their road trip in the Bay Area, with a back-to-back against the Golden State Warriors. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Stephen Curry has been diagnosed with a left peroneal (calf) strain. He'll remain out until he's re-evaluated on Friday, November 1, which means that he'll miss both games against New Orleans at the least.

It's never good to celebrate injuries, but it is nice to see the Pelicans catch a break in regards to the injury report for once. New Orleans will be without both Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III still so neither team will be at full strength. Joining Curry on the sidelines for the Dubs will be De'Anthony Melton who's currently sidelined with a lower back issue and will also be re-evaluated on Friday.

New Orleans needs to take advantage of this opportunity to right the ship after dropping a stinker in their second leg against the Blazers. Coming home for a four-game stand after two straight wins against a Conference rival will do wonders for this team's confidence and momentum.