Pelicans Grapple with Injuries Amid Challenging Season
The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves navigating a difficult NBA season, riddled with injuries to key players. As the team struggles to maintain their footing, a wave of hope comes from the cautious optimism surrounding the recovery of star player Zion Williamson, alongside the return prospects for Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones.
Zion Williamson's Recovery Road
Zion Williamson, a cornerstone of the Pelicans' roster, has been absent from the court since November 6 due to a strained left hamstring. The young forward's dynamic presence was sorely missed as he had played only six games before the injury, during which he averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, logging over 31 minutes per game. Head coach Willie Green, however, remains hopeful, stating, "Getting better and better. He's progressing." Though the team remains cautious, Williamson's impending reexamination in approximately two weeks keeps the door open for a much-anticipated return.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans have struggled significantly, posting a dismal 2-14 record compared to 2-4 with him in the lineup. This stark contrast underscores not only his scoring and playmaking abilities but also his influence on the overall team dynamic.
The Injury Bug Spreads
The Pelicans' injury woes extend beyond Williamson. Brandon Ingram, another key player, has been sidelined with right plantaris tendonitis, missing five consecutive games. The situation is compounded by the absence of Herb Jones, who has not played since October 29 due to a right shoulder strain. Encouraging news came from Green, who mentioned, “They had a good practice today. They went through a full practice, full contact,” indicating a potential return for the duo in their upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns. The possible return of Ingram and Jones could provide much-needed respite and a boost in the team’s efforts to turn their season around.
Adding to the list of afflictions, Jose Alvarado is suffering from a strained left hamstring, with reevaluation set for a similar two-week timeframe as Williamson. Meanwhile, Jordan Hawkins deals with lower back soreness linked to a lumbar spine annular fissure, further deepening the team's concerns.
Road Woes and Standings Struggles
The Pelicans’ struggles are most pronounced on the road where they've managed only a 1-11 record, marking it as the league's worst. This difficulty in securing away victories leaves them languishing 7.5 games behind the 10th place San Antonio Spurs, illustrating the uphill battle the team faces to climb the NBA standings.
The coming weeks will prove crucial for the Pelicans as they hope for the return of their essential players. Williamson's health, along with the possible comeback of Ingram and Jones, could pivot the trajectory of the team's season. With a combination of patience and persistence, the Pelicans aim to gather momentum and navigate the remainder of their arduous schedule with renewed strength from within their ranks.