Zion

Williamson

Williamson’s right ankle sprain has him back on the injury report after logging 33 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Lakers. With the Pelicans facing the Suns the following night, it’s possible that Williamson sits out one of the next two games. With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) also out, DeAndre Jordan and Bryce McGowens may move up in the rotation.

Following a one-game absence with an ankle injury, which came after playing in 35 straight games, Williamson returned to take on Los Angeles. Excluding the game he exited early with the ankle injury, Zion has scored at least 20 points in six straight games. They have a back-to-back on Thursday and Friday, and while Williamson had been playing in back-to-backs, there is a chance he sits out as he manages this ankle injury. If he does, he’ll likely sit against the Kings on Thursday and play against the Suns on Friday.

With Williamson returning to action after a one-game absence, the Pelicans will begin Tuesday’s contest without a legitimate center. DeAndre Jordan heads to the bench, while Saddiq Bey continues to start. Given how well Bey has played this season, it would have been extremely difficult to remove him from the starting five.

Williamson will be back after missing just one game with an ankle injury. Trey Murphy returned to the lineup in that game and filled Zion’s starting spot. That likely means one of Saddiq Bey or Herb Jones will be pushed to a bench role, though both will still play significant minutes.

Williamson was held out of Sunday’s loss to the Clippers, the first game that he’s missed since December 11. If he’s able to play on Tuesday, Williamson may push Saddiq Bey out of the starting lineup. Bey will still play plenty, so those who have him rostered should not be too concerned.

Williamson had to leave Saturday’s win over the Jazz during the second quarter, and Sunday’s game will be the first that he’s missed since December 11. With Trey Murphy (shoulder) back, he can slide into Williamson’s spot in the starting lineup, while Dejounte Murray replaces Bryce McGowens.

Williamson exited Saturday’s win over the Jazz during the second quarter and did not return. He has appeared in a career-best 35 straight games, so continuing that streak may be a motivating factor for Zion to play on Sunday. If he doesn’t play, Trey Murphy (shoulder) is available and can slide into that spot in the starting lineup.

With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) sitting out the first game of New Orleans’ weekend back-to-back, McGowens was inserted into the starting lineup on Saturday. And he was productive, shooting 4-of-10 from beyond the arc. The 18 points were the most in a game for McGowens since January 7, when he dropped 20 in a loss to the Hawks. Even if Murray is available for Sunday’s game against the Clippers, McGowens may remain a starter, as Zion Williamson left Saturday’s victory during the first half with a sprained ankle.

Williamson sprained his right ankle early in the second quarter of Saturday’s game, and the Pelicans have ruled him out for the rest of the night. In 11 minutes, he recorded four points, one rebound and two assists. New Orleans visits the Clippers on Sunday, so they may have to account for the absence of a starter. If Dejounte Murray plays on Sunday and Zion doesn’t, Bryce McGowens could get another start. Jeremiah Fears, who played well during the first half, replaced Williamson in the lineup to begin the third quarter.

Williamson had another strong game as a scorer, having finished with at least 25 points in three of his last four games. However, it’s his continued availability that has been the most impressive. He hasn’t missed a game since mid-December, which has extended the longest streak without missing a game of his career. It’s unfortunate that Williamson’s having the healthiest year of his career in a lost season for the Pelicans, but it should give managers optimism when drafting him next season.