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Pelicans center Yves Missi makes important step in return from injury. Here’s the latest.
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New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) blocks Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker's (5) shot during the first half of the basketball game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. STAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD

The New Orleans Pelicans could be getting a key piece back soon.

The Pelicans gave an update on center Yves Missi Thursday.

Missi has been cleared to resume on-couth activities and participated in Thursday’s light practice.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Missi said after practice. “The past two days I’ve been running and jumping.”

Missi hasn’t played since the second game of the season when he suffered a left knee bruise against the Utah Jazz .  The injury happened with 6:24 left in the second quarter when Zion Williamson appeared to have fallen into Missi’s knee. Missi had to be helped to the locker room.

Missi has missed the last 10 games.  

How soon could he return?

“No timeline,” said Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley. “He’ll be day-to-day to see how he responds to the treatment after today.”

Missi, who played in 73 games as a rookie and 66 games last season, admits it hasn’t been easy just sitting and watching from the bench.

“Frustrating,” Missi said. “It’s been super frustrating but just trying to cheer for my guys.”

 Missi was one of the Pelicans’ most productive players in the first two games. In his 40 minutes of play, he shot 8 of 9 from the floor with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 3 steals and  4 blocked shots.

The Pelicans (4-8), in the midst of a 4-game losing streak heading into Friday’s game home against the Memphis Grizzlies, could use Missi’s services. Especially after the last three games when the Pels have been outscored by 101 points. Pelicans coach Jamahl Mosley knows the type of impact Missi will have once he returns.

“You talk about the defensive side of the ball and trying to get him to be more of the Defensive Player of the Year (type player),” Mosley said. “The rim protection, the ability to talk and switch different positions. It’ll help out a ton to get him out on the floor.”

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