Zion Williamson Returns to Bolster Pelicans Amid Injury Struggles Against Timberwolves
The New Orleans Pelicans are grappling with a significant injury crisis as they head into a crucial stretch of games. The team is still without key contributors, including Dejounte Murray, who has been sidelined since the season’s inception due to an Achilles injury. Compounding their woes is Jordan Poole, out for the past four weeks with a quad strain.
In a recent matchup against the Lakers, the Pelicans were drastically undermanned, missing not just Poole and Murray, but also Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, Jordan Hawkins, and Karlo Matkovic. As the Pels prepare for back-to-back contests against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the urgency to reintegrate some starters into the lineup has never been greater.
Injury Updates and Player Availability
In the latest injury report, it appears there is a glimmer of hope for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson is set to return after missing the previous game due to injury management. Meanwhile, the outlook for other players remains less optimistic. According to reports, Jones, Poole, and Matkovic will continue to be unavailable, while Murphy and Hawkins are listed as questionable.
Poole’s absence has been particularly frustrating for the Pelicans. He last took the court on November 4, and despite returning to practice last week, his ongoing exclusion suggests he is not close to a return. This Tuesday marks the 15th consecutive game he will miss, raising questions about the initial assessment of his injury’s severity.
Jones finds himself in a similar predicament, missing his sixth game due to a calf injury. Initially expected to be out for a week, there has been little positive news regarding his recovery since the injury announcement on November 24.
Murphy’s elbow injury has kept him sidelined for the last two games, but signs point to a possible return. If he is cleared to play against the Timberwolves, he is likely to reclaim his starting spot, pushing Bryce McGowens to a bench role. In Jones’ absence, Saddiq Bey is expected to continue starting.
Facing a Strong Timberwolves Squad
As the Pelicans navigate this injury-riddled landscape, the Timberwolves have reported no injury concerns heading into Tuesday’s clash. This matchup poses a significant challenge for the short-handed Pelicans, particularly as they face a team that reached the Western Conference finals last season.
The combination of Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards presents a formidable duo that could exploit New Orleans’ vulnerabilities. If Murphy manages to join Williamson in the starting lineup, the Pelicans might find just enough offensive firepower to contend with Minnesota’s talented roster.
With the stakes high and injuries taking their toll, the Pelicans will be relying heavily on their remaining healthy players to step up in the face of adversity.
