As the NBA season continues, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves grappling with a string of injuries that have significantly impacted their performance on the court. The team, once hopeful for a competitive season, now navigates the challenges posed by the absence of key players, including the much-anticipated Zion Williamson.
Zion Williamson's Ongoing Recovery
Down since November 6 due to a strained left hamstring, Zion Williamson's absence has been keenly felt. The young star, who managed an impressive start to the season playing just six games, averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 31.1 minutes per game. Despite these promising numbers, the Pelicans struggled with a 2-4 record with Williamson, which further deteriorated to a dismal 2-14 in his absence.
However, head coach Willie Green remains optimistic about Williamson's recovery, stating, "Getting better and better. He's progressing." Williamson is set for another examination in approximately two weeks, a timeline that leaves a gap in the Pelicans' lineup they are eager to see filled.
Additional Injury Concerns
The team’s injury woes extend beyond Williamson. Brandon Ingram has been out for five consecutive games owing to right plantaris tendonitis. Ingram's contribution has been missed sorely, and Pelican fans are hopeful for his return, which might be on the horizon. Willie Green shared positive updates: "They had a good practice today. They went through a full practice, full contact," hinting at an imminent return for both Ingram and Herb Jones, who has been dealing with a right shoulder strain since October 29.
Herb Jones' situation mirrors that of Ingram, as both have been listed as questionable for an upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns. The possibility of their return bolsters the team's moral prospect, although their fitness and ability to perform at their pre-injury level remain to be seen.
Challenges in the Backcourt
Jose Alvarado is another name added to the Pelicans’ injury roster, as he battles his own strained left hamstring. Like Williamson, Alvarado is also set for reevaluation in about two weeks, creating persistent uncertainty in the Pelicans' backcourt plans. The injury bug doesn’t stop there—Jordan Hawkins also faces challenges after being diagnosed with lower back soreness and a lumbar spine annular fissure.
Struggling on the Road
The impact of these injuries is visible in the Pelicans’ performance, particularly during away games. With a road record of 1-11, the Pelicans currently hold the unfortunate distinction of having the worst road record in the league. This has contributed to their standing, which sees them lagging 7.5 games behind the 10th place San Antonio Spurs. The road ahead seems daunting but not insurmountable.
As the Pelicans continue to grapple with these player absences, the team’s prospects depend heavily on their recovery and return. The coming weeks will prove critical in determining the trajectory of their season. With so much riding on the injured players' shoulders, particularly Zion Williamson’s, the Pelicans’ fortunes may soon change with a healthy roster.