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via Imago
Jan 15, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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via Imago
Jan 15, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Tomorrow we see a Western conference battle between two very capable sides. The Los Angeles Clippers, who acquire the first seed have been indomitable. They are 17-3 in their last 20 games, the best for any team in the NBA. Their opponents will be the New Orleans Pelicans, a side with a multitude of weapons on their roster.
The Pelicans are coming off a stellar 100-138 win over the Toronto Raptors. Spearheaded by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the combination has really lifted the Pelicans this season. They currently sit at the 7th place in the conference standings. Both these sides have momentum on their sides, each winning their last games.
Given the even rosters they boast, we can’t really decide a convincing victor. However, after the latest update on Williamson and Ingram, the scales might be leaning towards the Clippers.
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Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram might not play against the Clippers
After a season of horrors last year, Zion Williamson has banished all criticism that once revolved around him. He has learned to consistently stay on the court and is having a stellar campaign. Averaging 22.1 points on 59% shooting, the freak athlete is an indispensable piece for the Pelicans.
Since early January, Williamson has been troubled by recurring foot injuries. He has missed a game previously on account of a bone bruise on his left foot. He was also questionable when playing against the Raptors. He logged in for just 22 minutes as the Pelicans tried to stay cautious given his background with injuries.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Ingram is coming off one of the games of his life. The slender forward dropped the purest 41 points against the Raptors. The former Lakers forward was unshakeable on the night. He shot over 70% for the entire night even hitting five straight threes at one point.
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Unfortunately for the Pelicans, they both appear on the injury report prior to facing one of the most fierce sides – the Los Angeles Clippers. Williamson is yet to completely heal from his foot injury which has been a constant bother for the 23-year-old. He is listed as questionable. Ingram isn’t in as concerning territory. He is likely to play against the Clippers tonight.
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If Williamson does miss, the Pelicans might call up Larry Nance Jr. or Trey Murphy to the starting lineup. They will join CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, Brandon Ingram, and Herbert Jones.
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