Surprisingly, the New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the best teams in the Western Conference this season. While every analyst and basketball enthusiast predicted Willie Green’s boys to have a tremendous campaign following their 2022 playoffs run, no one could quite expect them to be placed merely 0.5 games behind the #1 spot. While the likes of CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Jonas Valanciunas have been balling out, Zion Williamson should be massively credited for the team’s success.
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After missing out on the entire 2022-2023 year, the 6-foot-6 forward has been dominant, to say the least. With none of his previous injuries aggravating, Zion has been playing some of his best basketball and averaging a stellar 25.2/7.2/4.7 in the 25 games played so far.
Also Read: Zion Williamson-Brandon Ingram Chemistry is the Key Says Shams Charania
While the Pels chase that #1 spot in the West during their clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the availability of “Zanos” will be on the minds of several NOLA fans.
Zion Williamson highly unlikely to suit up vs OKC
Despite the Pelicans losing 4 straight games, Zion was having monstrous performances, averaging 26.2 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.7 rebounds.
However, Williamson was placed in the league’s health and safety protocol and forced to miss the clash against the San Antonio Spurs.
It is highly likely that the former Duke Blue Devil has contracted COVID. And unless the southpaw records 2 negative tests in a 24-hour span, unfortunately, the youngster will have to miss out on the Pels’ bout against the Oklahoma City Thunder as well.
Apart from Zion, the likes of Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr. are also projected to miss out on Friday night. And much like his performance today, CJ McCollum will need to carry most of the team’s offensive load yet again.
With a short-handed Pels facing an in-form OKC team, we should be in for one entertaining battle.
