The New Orleans Pelicans need to thank their lucky stars that Zion Williamson hasn’t faced any setbacks yet. They are trying their best to fight through the Western Conference rankings at the moment. It is way too early to determine where NOLA will rank by the end of the regular season. But things are looking fairly bright for them as they rank seventh in the West with a record of 16 wins and 12 losses.
ZION WILLIAMSON THROWS IT DOWN 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NvMpujwkag
— There’s no way (@BenSimmons_Muse) December 20, 2023
Their opponents for the night will be the Cleveland Cavaliers. So far, Donovan Mitchell has been doing a phenomenal job as their leader. But the Eastern Conference is filled with teams that have some of the best rosters in the league right now. They rank sixth in the East with a record of 16 wins and 12 losses. They will host the Pelicans at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse tonight.
Zion Williamson is listed as questionable for the Cavaliers vs. Pelicans game
The NBA has witnessed a series of illnesses over the last few weeks and Zion Williamson has fallen into the list of sick players. He is listed as questionable for the game. Cody Zeller (ankle) is questionable along with Jonas Valanciunas (illness) and Herbert Jones (illness). Matt Ryan and Larry Nance Jr. will remain sidelined until further notice.
Similarly, the Cavaliers have a series of players listed on its injury report at the moment. Mitchell (illness) has been ruled out for the game as per reports issued by Basketball News. Ricky Rubio will miss the game due to personal reasons. Ty Jerome (ankle) is out for the Pelicans game as well. Evan Mobley and Darius Garland will miss significant time.
Sam Merrill with a NEW career high‼️@smerrill05 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/tsVx95G00c
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 21, 2023
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report:
- Donovan Mitchell (Out)
- Ricky Rubio (Out)
- Ty Jerome (Out)
- Evan Mobley (Out)
- Darius Garland (Out)
Cleveland Cavaliers Expected Lineup:
- Craig Porter
- Max Strus
- Isaac Okoro
- Dean Wade
- Jarrett Allen
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report:
- Cody Seller (Questionable)
- Jonas Valanciunas (Questionable)
- Herbert Jones (Questionable)
- Zion Williamson (Questionable)
- Matt Ryan (Out)
- Larry Nance Jr. (Out)
New Orleans Pelicans Expected Lineup:
- CJ McCollum
- Brandon Ingram
- Dyson Daniels
- Naji Marshall
- Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Will the Pelicans emerge victorious against the Cavaliers without Zion Williamson?
Zion Williamson hasn’t performed at the best level, however, his contributions have been vital this season. He averages 22 points along with 5.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. Other than what the Pelicans are losing with his absence, they have been able to win without him as well. CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram are very familiar with this situation. But with their starting frontcourt players out for the night, they will experience difficulties on defense.
Home Grown. pic.twitter.com/xqONyYOyu8
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 14, 2023
Averaging 27.7 points per game as the Cavaliers’ leading scorer, Mitchell’s absence will affect their offense tonight. Either way, players like Max Strus and Jarrett Allen have had experience being the lead bucket-getter of the team. They have been doing just fine without Mobley and Garland in the lineup which shows they can win. The Cavaliers have a slight edge over the Pelicans with most of their starting players healthy.