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Zion Williamson has been ruled out by the New Orleans Pelicans as he is under the NBA’s health and safety protocols. “Zanos” has already missed five games this season and should be sidelined for a couple more, starting with the matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
He is expected to miss at least two games as he tries to clear the league’s Covid measures. He could be back on December 28 when New Orleans hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The former NBA All-Star has been in incredible form throughout December. He is averaging 28.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.2 steals this month.
The New Orleans Pelicans are on a season-high four-game losing streak and could see their slump extend without Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Ingram hasn’t seen action for quite some time already due to a contusion to his left great toe.
Naji Marshall, Larry Nance Jr. (if he plays), and Garrett Temple could see more playing time without the No. 1 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft.
Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis' status for the Washington Wizards tonight is still undetermined. He is questionable for his team’s game against the Utah Jazz tonight. Porzingis also missed the Wizards’ 113-110 win over the Phoenix Suns last Tuesday.
The Wizards just snapped a humiliating 10-game losing streak in their win versus the Suns. They’ll find it harder to sustain their momentum without the gangly former NBA All-Star. Porzingis has already played 29 out of the Wizards’ 32 games after playing just 17 last season.
Porzingis’ absence will be a big blow to the team as he is playing better than his lone NBA-All-Star campaign during the 2017-18 season. He is averaging 22.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 blocks per game.
Daniel Gafford is again expected to take the starting center duty if Kristaps Porzingis remains out.
Collin Sexton: Right hamstring strain; Injured since December 7, 2022
The Utah Jazz have upgraded Collin Sexton’s status to questionable when the team battles the Washington Wizards tonight. Sexton has missed the Jazz’s last seven games due to a right hamstring strain. He suffered the injury in Utah’s hairline 124-123 victory versus the Golden State Warriors on December 7.
The former Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard has played 27 of Utah’s 36 games this season. Sexton has been a big part of the Jazz’s surprising success as he is averaging 14.3 points on 49.3% shooting.
If he is sidelined yet again, his return should be very soon. Malik Beasley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Talen Horton-Tucker should continue to see more minutes if Sexton remains out.
Brandon Ingram: Left great toe contusion; Injured since November 25, 2022
New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green recently informed the media that Brandon Ingram will miss two more games. He will still be out versus the San Antonio Spurs tonight and against the OKC Thunder on Friday.
The former NBA All-Star sprained his toe on November 25 in the Pelicans’ 132-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pelicans have lost four straight games and are 7-4 in Ingram’s absence. He could see action next Monday when New Orleans hosts the Indiana Pacers.
The Pelicans are also without Zion Williamson who is under the NBA’s health and safety protocols. They’ll be in for a tough fight versus the Spurs who could also miss a few players of their own.
