Injury Concerns Plague New Orleans Pelicans' Season
The New Orleans Pelicans are navigating a turbulent NBA season marred by injuries to several key players. The absence of star forward Zion Williamson has been particularly felt, as he has remained sidelined since November 6 due to a strained left hamstring. Despite the setbacks, head coach Willie Green remains optimistic about Williamson's road to recovery.
Green recently commented on Williamson's progress, stating, "Getting better and better. He's progressing." The Pelicans are eagerly awaiting Williamson's return, given his impressive but brief stint on the court this season. In just six games, he averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 31.1 minutes per game. The team's performance metrics starkly highlight his importance; they held a 2-4 record with him versus a troubling 2-14 record without him.
In another blow to the team, Brandon Ingram has been out for five consecutive games due to right plantaris tendonitis. However, there is a glimmer of hope for his return alongside teammate Herb Jones, who has been dealing with a right shoulder strain since October 29. Green provided an encouraging update, noting, "They had a good practice today. They went through a full practice, full contact." Both players are listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns.
On the defensive end, Jose Alvarado is also grappling with a strained left hamstring and is slated for reevaluation in approximately two weeks. Additionally, guard Jordan Hawkins is sidelined with lower back soreness, diagnosed as a lumbar spine annular fissure.
The cumulative impact of these injuries has been evident in the Pelicans' performance, particularly on the road, where they have a daunting 1-11 record—the worst in the league. This troubling statistic leaves them trailing 7.5 games behind the 10th place San Antonio Spurs in the conference standings.
The Pelicans' struggles without these key players underscore the challenges faced in maintaining competitive momentum. The franchise's hopes are significantly anchored on the health and recovery of their sidelined stars as they aim to recover and climb back into playoff contention.