Pelicans Injury Report: Latest on Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson May Jeopardise New Orleans’ Red Hot Streak

The New Orleans Pelicans started their second half of the season on an encouraging note. Powered by Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum’s combined 55 points, the Pels cruised to a commanding 127-105 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday. Now, they’ll be aiming to extend their winning streak to five when they meet the injury-ravaged Miami Heat tonight at the Smoothie King Center. However, securing a win tonight might be an uphill battle, considering Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson’s availability.

As per the latest injury report, Zion Williamson has been listed as questionable due to a lingering left foot contusion. Williamson has made a regular appearance on the injury report since late Jan due to a bruised foot but has suited up in nine of the last 11 games. However, he usually rests on the second leg of a back-to-back. Therefore, after he filled the stat sheet with 27 points, nine assists, two steals, and a block in 35 minutes on Thursday, it won’t be surprising if he takes a break tonight. Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram, who missed the last game, is also listed as a game-time decision tonight due to a non-COVID-related illness.

The only player listed out is Dyson Daniels, who will be re-evaluated in four weeks after he underwent a successful meniscectomy on his left knee on Thursday. The Pelicans are expected to open the game with Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, and Herb Jones. 

Miami Heat aims to maintain their dominance

Miami will have the perfect opportunity to maintain dominance once again after they outplayed the Pelicans last season with an unbeaten 2-0 season record. The Pelicans have only won a single game out of ten they have played since 2018. Add to this the fact that they will have tired legs coming off a back-to-back. Despite the injuries, the Heat have won six of their last eight games. But it won’t be easy to shake off the rust following a lengthy All-Star break.

The Miami Heat are dealing with five players on the injury report. Orlando Robinson (lower back spasms) and Tyler Herro (right foot) are listed as questionable before the game. However, Miami will be without Terry Rozier (knee), Josh Richardson (dislocated right shoulder), and Dru Smith (knee). Therefore, their starting lineup might feature Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Cody Martin, and Nikola Jovic. If Herro is sidelined come game time, Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Duncan Robinson might take his place.

Can the New Orleans Pelicans keep their winning streak alive? Or will the Miami Heat rain on their parade? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

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