Zion Williamson is the only player on the New Orleans Pelicans’ injury report with a questionable tag as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pelicans are currently on a six-game road trip.
Williamson himself expects to be available. He sat out the game against the LA Clippers after rolling his ankle in Utah. Neither his personal trainer nor Williamson have expressed serious concern about his status.
Pelicans’ Health Improves
This could be the first game this season where the Pelicans have all their players available. Dejounte Murray had missed 58 games recovering from an Achilles rupture. When Murray returned against the Warriors last week, Trey Murphy was out with a shoulder contusion. When Murphy came back against the Clippers, Williamson was sidelined with his ankle issue.
The Pelicans having all their key players healthy this late in the season is a concern. James Borrego still has time to execute the front office’s vision and build momentum for next season. A fully healthy roster will allow better evaluation of the team’s pieces, hopefully leading to savvy decisions in the offseason.
Rotation Decisions Loom
Williamson’s return will complicate things for the coaching staff. The Pelicans already have a crowded rotation that doesn’t allow Jordan Poole to get minutes. Borrego trusts a ten-man rotation, with Derik Queen, Yves Missi, Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, and Karlo Matkovic coming off the bench.
Who will be bumped from the rotation after Williamson returns will be fascinating to watch. DeAndre Jordan losing his starting spot should be considered a real possibility.
Lakers’ Injury Report
The Lakers also have a clean injury report. They are coming off back-to-back blowout wins against the Warriors and the Kings. None of the Lakers’ players played over 30 minutes in those games, which should leave them well-rested as they hope to complete the season sweep of the Pelicans.
The Pelicans fell to the LA Clippers, making their already highly improbable path to a play-in spot that much more difficult. They have an excellent opportunity to bounce back against the Lakers.