New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones has been diagnosed with a mild right calf strain, the team said in a statement.
He’ll be reevaluated in about a week, meaning he’ll likely miss upcoming matchups against Chicago, Memphis, Golden State, and the Lakers, and possibly more depending on how he progresses.
Jones, a 2023/24 All-Defensive first-team selection, was limited to 20 games last season because of a shoulder injury but returned fully healthy to begin the 2025/26 campaign.
He started the Pelicans’ first 16 games, averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals in 30.3 minutes while shooting .390/.362/.739.
With Jones sidelined, Saddiq Bey could move into the starting lineup again, and rookie Micah Peavy should see expanded minutes.
Peavy started his first career game on Saturday vs. Atlanta when both Jones and Zion Williamson were out, playing a career-high 27 minutes.
The Pelicans also delivered some good news: guard Jordan Poole has been cleared to resume on-court work after missing 10 games with a mild quad strain.
While no exact timetable was given – the team said his return will be “updated appropriately” – Poole shouldn’t need a long ramp-up unless there’s a setback.
Poole averaged 17.3 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 rebounds in his first seven games with New Orleans, though he shot just 35.4% from the field and 33.9% from deep.
Pelicans Share Injury Updates On Herb Jones, Jordan Poole https://t.co/AMfmeVYaOi pic.twitter.com/uoFLX8hwGA
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 24, 2025
