Zion Williamson is back on the right track after a lot of drama surrounding him earlier this year. He was suspended, he lost the guaranteed amount in his contract, and things seemed to be spiraling downward for him. However, since then he’s become the 3rd youngest ever to reach 5,000 points and he’s the lightest he’s ever been.
So, with his renewed vigor, Zion is ready to take on the NBA. But after thrashing the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-99, the Pelicans face their toughest challenge yet. And that is a visit from the Golden State Warriors. So let’s answer the biggest question everyone has ahead of this game.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report – will Zion Williamson face off against Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors?
Zion Williamson has not played for the New Orleans Pelicans since they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves. He recorded 29 points in that game. But ever since he’s been out with a back injury, missing 2 consecutive games for the Pelicans.
Sadly, it seems this absence will continue as his lower back contusion hasn’t fully healed yet. Yes, Zion Williamson is OUT against the Golden State Warriors per the injury report. This is a huge blow for the Pels as they gear up to face a figurative giant in the Dubs. To make things worse, he isn’t the only player who’ll miss this game.
Dejounte Murray is also OUT after rupturing his right Achilles. This is a devastating injury and Murray’s season is officially over because of it. But wouldn’t you know it, two other players are set to miss the rest of this season due to injury. They are Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III. Both of them have torn labrums although the exact nature of their injuries is different.
Apart from them, Brandon Boston is also OUT for the Warriors game after a stress reaction in his left ankle. The 23-year-old shooting guard will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks. He is the final player on the Pels’ injury report.
And that’s pretty much it for the Pelicans’ absentees ahead of the Warriors game. So let’s see who they line up with when facing the Dubs at home.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Golden State Warriors – predicted starting lineup and depth chart
The Pelicans never had the greatest squad depth in the league to begin with. But the injuries to their squad have ravaged their bench. Willie Green may just end up fielding the same lineup that won him their most recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Well, with the addition of CJ McCollum. Here’s what that might look like:
POSITION
STARTER
2nd UNIT
3rd UNIT
PG
Jose Alvarado
Jordan Hawkins
CJ McCollum
SG
CJ McCollum
Bruce Brown
Jordan Hawkins
SF
Keion Brooks Jr.
Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown
PF
Kelly Olynyk
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Zion Williamson
C
Yves Missi
Karlo Matkovic
Kelly Olynyk
The Pelicans aren’t having the best season in 2024/25. Aside from issues off the court, they aren’t doing too well on it either. They have 53 losses this season. And they sit as the 14th-seeded team in the Western Conference with no hopes of moving up the table. Frankly, we don’t see them beating the Warriors barring a fluke upset victory. But the chances for even that are slim. So let us know your opinion. Do you think the Pelicans have a shot at upsetting the Warriors without Zion Williamson on their side?
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