The New Orleans Pelicans are going head-to-head against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. However, things turned south as one of their key players, Jonas Valanciunas, suffered a bruised right calf in a collision with teammate Brandon Ingram. The incident occurred in the first half and has left fans worried for the player. The injury could have been severe given that Valanciunas was spotted “tugging on his right knee after the collision.”
As per the latest update by the Pelicans, the Lithuanian center will not be returning to the game. He ended his time with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. However, despite that, the team has held the dominance over the LA Clippers.
Jonas Valcaniunas was tugging on his right knee after he and teammate Brandon Ingram collided
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 8, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the absence of Jonas, the rest of the team has indeed stepped up their game. Whether it’s the pressure, the team managed to clinch a win against the Clippers 117-106. The star of the game CJ McCollum scored 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. The last time the two teams faced each other was on January 5, when the LA Clippers dominated with a 111-95 win. Th Pelicans’ win is all the more impressive, considering that the Clippers had an upper hand.
Watch This Story: Ja Morant’s Height: How Tall Is The Grizzlies Superstar Compared to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Other NBA Legends?
Uncertainty on Zion Williamson’s presence at the game against Clippers
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Zion Williamson is undeniably one of their instrumental players. Yet, injury still seemed to trouble the star player. He was on the report for his foot injury. Much to fans’ delight, both he and his teammate Brandon Ingram, who was also listed on the injury report, managed to give the support that the Pelicans required. Williamson has shown tremendous effort as he dished out 21 points, 10 assists, and 3 rebounds.
While James Harden scored 19 points and 8 rebounds, Kawhi had 15 points and 6 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Clippers were unable to push back Williamson and the Pelicans. The Pelicans improved to a 30-21 record and are 6th in the West, while the Clippers dropped to 4th, at 34-16.
While Jonas’s injury might affect the entire team in the upcoming games, we can only hope for his swift recovery and return. With that, all eyes are now on the next game where the Pelicans will face the Los Angeles Lakers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below.
READ MORE: Brandon Ingram Goes Down in NBA History with Monster 40/9/6 Game vs Raptors