The New Orleans Pelicans are navigating a challenging NBA season, as injuries have plagued their roster and disrupted their performance. Head coach Willie Green remains optimistic despite the setbacks, hoping his key players will return to the court soon. The Pelicans' struggle is epitomized by the absence of Zion Williamson, whose absence since November 6 has left a significant void in the team’s lineup.
Zion Williamson: A Key Absence
Williamson, a powerhouse forward known for his explosive play, strained his left hamstring earlier this season, sidelining him after only six games. During those games, he demonstrated his impact with impressive averages of 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 31.1 minutes per game. Unfortunately, the Pelicans managed a modest 2-4 record with Williamson on the court, which has deteriorated further to a dismal 2-14 in his absence.
Head coach Willie Green remains hopeful about Williamson's recovery, stating, "Getting better and better. He's progressing." Williamson is set for another examination in approximately two weeks, a crucial milestone for a team desperate for an upswing in fortunes.
Ingram and Jones: Questionable Returns
Adding to the Pelicans’ injury woes, Brandon Ingram has been out for five consecutive games, grappling with right plantaris tendinitis. His absence has left the team without one of its most versatile scorers. Herb Jones, another vital component of the Pelicans' lineup, has been missing since October 29 due to a right shoulder strain. Both players are listed as questionable for the upcoming matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
Coach Green provided a glimmer of hope regarding their potential return. "They had a good practice today. They went through a full practice, full contact." His comment suggests that both Ingram and Jones might soon rejoin the team in a much-needed boost for Green's squad.
Additional Injury Concerns
The Pelicans' injury list doesn’t end there. Jose Alvarado, dealing with a strained left hamstring, is also set to be re-evaluated in about two weeks. Meanwhile, rookie Jordan Hawkins is coping with lower back soreness, diagnosed as a lumbar spine annular fissure. The accumulation of these injuries has severely affected the Pelicans’ performance, particularly away from home, where they have secured a single victory against eleven losses—the poorest road record in the league.
Challenging Times Ahead
With the Pelicans currently 7.5 games behind the 10th place San Antonio Spurs, their playoff prospects look increasingly bleak unless their injury situation improves dramatically. The team’s struggles underline the critical importance of their absent stars, whose returns could potentially revitalize their season.
The upcoming weeks and player evaluations will be crucial for the Pelicans, determining not just the immediate fate of these injured players but perhaps the trajectory of their season. For now, New Orleans fans, the coaching staff, and the players are left hoping for more positive news on the injury front, as the team attempts to navigate these turbulent times.