The New Orleans Pelicans have stunned the league. Despite multiple injuries and Brandon Ingram’s continued absence, they have climbed to the top of the Western Conference. Pelicans are currently tied with the Denver Nuggets. Both teams have registered 23 wins and 12 losses and are two wins ahead of the third spot.
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The reason for Pelicans success can be credited to Zion’s return. The 6ft 6″ power forward returned this season after a long hiatus. Now, he is dominating the league as he was always expected to.
Recently, Zion Williamson returned from health and safety protocol and missed three-consecutive games. He returned on Wednesday and has played two games since his return. He is again expected to play the last game of 2022.
Zion Williamson expected to play on Saturday
Before his unfortunate injury, Zion Williamson was a force of nature. He has shown the same hunger this season again. For a player standing just at 6ft 6″, Williamson is is awfully strong. He is capable of battling much bigger players under the post. This makes him a formidable weapon especially when taking his short making into account.
The Pelicans will be a fearsome threat for the Grizzlies with Zion suiting up to play. His strength and scoring will be necessary to battle Ja Morant and co. Even his defensive prowess will be on full show against the third seed in their conference.
The Pelicans are a well balanced team. Their offense and defense is ranked 6th in the league. On paper, the Grizzlies have both a weaker offense and defense than New Orleans. With Williamson in the post, Memphis’s defense will be tested to its limit.
Zion Williamson (health & safety protocols) is no longer on the Pelicans’ injury report after missing 2 games.
Zion is on track to play for tomorrow’s game vs. the Pacers. pic.twitter.com/ogclNaM3vH
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 25, 2022
Williamson’s stats reflect his skills
In the 26 games he has played until now, Zion is averaging 25.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Although, his minutes per game are especially low at 33.4 minutes per game, when Williamson increases his output on the core, his stats will surely go up.
This is even more impressive considering he has only returned from a year long injury. Once he is back to his full strength and Brandon Ingram is back, the Pelicans will look far more threatening.
Also read: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ‘Skittles’ Obsessions Might Push Him Down Dwight Howard’s 5000 Calorie Diet
