NBA
Will Zion Williamson play for the Pelicans against the Timberwolves today?
Williamson hasn’t played since the start of November, during which time New Orleans have slumped to the bottom of the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been handed a huge boost as they look to turn their form around by the news that Zion Williamson is available for Tuesday night’s NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 24-year-old hasn’t played since November 6, when he recorded 29 points in a narrow defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
How many games did Williamson miss? What was the Pelicans' record without him?
Williamson has missed 27 games because of a left hamstring strain, of which the Pelicans have only won four. They were victorious in only two of 25 matchups immediately after the forward’s injury but geared up for his return by defeating the Washington Wizards in back-to-back games.
Williamson had been rated as questionable for the Timberwolves clash up until lunchtime on Tuesday. However, he was upgraded to available with a few hours to go until tipoff, which means he will be expected to make his first appearance in the NBA for over two months.
Speaking to the media before the game, teammate Dejounte Murray expressed his delight that Williamson would finally be back lining up alongside him: “It will help a lot. That’s the guy teams are gonna load up on... We don’t want him to feel like he has to come save the world. Get into the rhythm and flow of things. Play your first game, have fun, compete, and hopefully get a win”.
Despite winning their last two games, the Pelicans are rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 7-29 record, two games behind the Utah Jazz. Their recent victory over the Wizards mean Washington (6-27) are the only NBA team with fewer wins this season, although they have played three games fewer.
When is Timberwolves vs Pelicans? How to watch, time
The game between the Timberwolves and the Pelicans will be played at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Tuesday, January 7, with tipoff at 8:00 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the game on Gulf Coast Sports and FDSN.
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