The Pelicans, by chance, will not qualify for the playoffs this season, and that’s what makes them fearless. And on top of that? Zion Williamson‘s resurgence has been a silver lining for sure. His whole weight-injury situation just feels like a fever dream at this point. It’s obvious that they’ve looked like a different team in the 30 games he’s played this season.

But the last 4 games have been a bit of a déjà vu for Zanos, missing out due to a back injury. Any surprise that they’ve lost 3 of them? Not at all. Head Coach Willie Green needs to find a solution to compensate for him when he’s out, stat. But will that situation arise tonight, when they face off against the Hornets?

Pelicans’ injury report ahead of Hornets clash

Zion delivered a 28/11 double-double in their last game against the Charlotte Hornets. That day, the Pelicans dominated in the game, though, lost 123-92. Then, it was Zion’s first game in eight days. Just as he was in that head-to-head, he’s been on fire since he came back into the lineup. Box numbers of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists should tell you the full story. His last game was the first of a twofer against the Timberwolves when his Zanos mode was activated. A 29/5/8 scoreline in 30 mins while shooting 75% and leading your team to a 119-115 victory? But will he be able to replicate it again, or need to cheer from the line?

Just recently, his past demons caught up with him, ruling him out of the next 4 matches due to a lower back contusion. This happened after he took a hard fall in the win over Minnesota. The situation still persists, as he’s listed as out for tonight’s clash at the Smoothie. This absence means he’ll play under 40 games in a season for the fourth time in his career. Is that even a shocker anymore? Williamson’s yet to appear in a playoff game despite New Orleans making the playoffs in two of their last three seasons.

But he’s not the only confirmed absentee for the Pelicans tonight. Their injury-plagued season just can’t get over for the Pelicans. Guards Brandon Boston (ankle) and CJ McCollum (foot) are also confirmed to be out against the Hornets tonight. Brandon missed the last 22 games due to this injury, which is a bit of a heartbreaker with rumors of the Pelicans converting him to a standard NBA contract looming around New Orleans. As for CJ, this is his 3rd game out in a row due to his foot problem. He’s had a strong season, averaging a 21.1/2.8/4.1 scoring while shooting 44.5% from the field.

The injury list doesn’t end there, though. Forward Kelly Olynyk and guard Jordan Hawkins as listed as questionable for tonight’s clash at the Smoothie King Center. Olynyk is day-to-day due to a left Achilles tendonosis, while he has a back problem that might see him miss action tonight.

Pelicans’ predicted lineup against Hornets

All of these are just the newbies in the injury report. These are aided by Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, and Dejounte Murray’s season-ending injuries. That being said, let’s see what the Pelicans’ expected lineup is against Charlotte tonight:

This game might not mean much to either team. They’re pretty much out of playoff contention. But this could mean that the clash could be unbelievably entertaining, with two teams going head-to-head with nothing to lose. Do you think the Pelicans can get it over the line without star forward Zion Williamson?