Pelicans keep Dejounte Murray out of practice with toe contusion

Dejounte Murray did not practice with the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday as he continued to deal with a toe contusion, Rod Walker of NOLA.com reported. The guard had also missed Thursday’s preseason game against Miami.

Coach Jamahl Mosley described the team’s approach as precautionary. The update confirms another missed practice, but does not establish a longer absence or a date for Murray’s return.

Treatment remains the focus

Asked whether Murray could play through the injury if the regular season were underway, Mosley did not give a yes-or-no answer. “We’re just going to keep evaluating him and how he responds to the treatment we’re giving him,” the coach said, according to Walker.

Mosley said he would evaluate that question once the team reached regular-season games. His comments should not be read as either confirmation that Murray is ready to play or a ruling that he will miss the season opener.

No firm return date

Hoops Rumors also reported Saturday’s absence, citing Walker. The next Pelicans exhibition is against Dallas on Wednesday, according to NOLA.com, but that schedule is not a promise that Murray will be available.

Walker also reported that guard AJ Johnson missed practice with a finger injury. New Orleans has separately made a roster change, signing Jalon Moore after waiving Christian Koloko. That transaction does not settle the injured guards’ playing status.