Pelicans Injury Update: Will Zion Williamson Play Tonight vs Rockets After Missing Previous Game Due to Illness?

The New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the most inconsistent teams of this season. On their best day, the Pelicans have the firepower to defeat any given team. However, they have also lost to unfancied teams like the Jazz and the Bulls. They need to find consistency if they harbor ambitions of securing a playoff spot in a super-competitive Western Conference.

The Pelicans face the Houston Rockets in their next match at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. However, the availability of star-player, Zion Williamson, remains a source of concern for the Pelicans’ fanbase.

Zion is listed as questionable for tonight’s game

The game between the Pelicans and the Rockets is scheduled to tip-off by 7:00 PM, Eastern Time. The match has all the makings of a thriller, as the 6th seed (Pelicans) faces off against the 8th seed (Rockets). New Orleans aims to avenge their prior loss to the Rockets, who narrowly defeated them with a 101-104 scoreline in their previous encounter. However, the Pelicans’ fans face an anxious wait over Zion Williamson’s availability for tonight’s game. He missed their last game due to an illness.

The Pelicans have listed Zion as questionable for the game against the Rockets. They would also miss the services of Larry Nance Jr. (rib fracture) and Matt Ryan (right elbow surgery). Cody Zeller is also expected to miss the game because of an ankle injury. On the contrary, the Rockets have most of their key players healthy and fit for tonight’s game. Only noticeable absentees are Tari Eason (lower leg) and Victor Oladipo (knee).

Both the teams would want to secure a win and further cement their claims for a playoff spot. However, the Pelicans go into the game as favorites because of their home court advantage, coupled with the Rockets’ lackluster away record of only two victories in twelve games.

Predicted Lineups: Pelicans vs Rockets

The Houston Rockets would aim for a rare away victory. However, it is easier said than done. Despite occupying the 8th seed, the Rockets have performed abysmally during their away games. Ime Udoka would field a strong starting-five, which might consist of Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun.

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On the other hand, the Pelicans carry a sense of confidence into the game, buoyed by their recent victory against the Cavaliers. Despite the potential absence of Zion, the Pelicans still possess immense quality on their roster. They could start the game with CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III and Jonas Valanciunas.

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