Brandon Ingram missed his second straight game on Wednesday due to a right hamstring soreness, and unfortunately for the New Orleans Pelicans, he won't be returning for at least another week.

According to the Pelicans, Ingram underwent an MRI on Wednesday which revealed an issue that is more than just soreness: a mild hamstring strain. With that said, the star forward is expected to be sidelined for the next seven to 10 days before he is re-evaluated.

This is bad news for the Pelicans, especially since they are trying to stay within the play-in positions that would keep their playoff hopes alive. They remain in the 10th seed of the West, but they have now lost three straight games (including the Wednesday showdown against the Orlando Magic) and are allowing the Portland Trail Blazers to remain within striking distance.

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New Orleans is getting some brilliant production from CJ McCollum, but it's clear he can't carry the offensive load alone. Such state is frustrating for the Pelicans since they won four straight games and appeared to be on an upward trend after the All-Star break.

It was the perfect time for the Pelicans to stage a late rally for the play-in, but after succumbing to the Denver Nuggets and losing Ingram the next game, they have been on a downward spiral.

Considering the Pelicans' schedule, Brandon Ingram could miss their next five games against the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks to name a few.

It will be up to McCollum to lead the Pels, but there is no doubt he needs his teammates to step up further.