NEW ORLEANS — Jose Alvarado, the backup point guard for the Pelicans, is set to return to the court on Friday night at home when they face the Washington Wizards. His comeback follows a significant 23-game hiatus due to a strain in his right hamstring.

“I will be playing tomorrow for sure. No doubt and I’m excited just to put the jersey back on and go out there and go hoop,” Alvarado stated on Thursday, revealing that he is currently listed as probable for the game.

Alvarado expressed his eagerness, saying, “It’s going to be a lot of crazy man out there again. I hope the city missed that. So, they’re gonna get that for sure tomorrow.” At 26 years old, he is entering his fourth season in the NBA. Over the current season, he has participated in 11 games, starting in seven of them, where he has averaged 10.7 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals.

His last appearance on the hardwood was on November 11 against the Brooklyn Nets.

However, the Pelicans will be without forward Brandon Ingram, who is sidelined with a left ankle sprain, marking his 11th consecutive game missed. Additionally, power forward Zion Williamson is also ruled out with a left hamstring strain, sitting out for the 26th game in a row as they prepare for the matchup against Washington.