The New Orleans Pelicans (19-43) have made progress with a 6-4 mark in the last 10 games. However, Pelicans F Zion Williamson is a potential absence on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers (36-24) on Tuesday.
For tonight’s 10:30 p.m. ET bout in Crypto.com Arena, what does the latest Zion Williamson injury update say about his status? New Orleans would be without its second-leading scorer.
If Zion is out tonight, what Pelicans players could step up as the best PrizePicks NBA picks for the Pelicans vs. Lakers game tonight?
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Zion Williamson Injury Update: Is He Playing vs. Lakers?
Zion Williamson is officially questionable on the official NBA injury report for Tuesday's game vs. the Lakers with a right ankle sprain.
Zion’s been notorious for long injury absences. But to his credit, Williamson played in 35 consecutive games with 29.1 minutes per game from December 14 to February 28.
His active streak was broken on March 1 due to an ankle injury. The NBA injury report currently lists Williamson as questionable from the same ankle setback.
However, Williamson was in the ESPN studio in L.A. on Monday and told NBA Today that he expects to play vs. the Lakers despite the ankle injury. The Pelicans medical staff will make a final decision regarding his status.
Over 45 games played this season, the Duke product has recorded 21.5 points per game (PPG), 5.8 rebounds per game (RPG), and 3.8 assists per game (APG). Zion touts an elite 58.5% field goal percentage — on par for his highest mark since 60.8% in his 2022-23 All-Star campaign.
Following a four-game winning streak from February 21 to 28, New Orleans lost March 1’s matchup by 20 points with Williamson out of the rotation.
PrizePicks Team Picks already list the Pels as 8.5-point underdogs against the Lakers. If Williamson cannot suit up, who could increase their production?
Zion Williamson Injury Impact: Which Pelicans Players to Target?
As New Orleans’ second-leading scorer, Zion carries a healthy 27.0% usage rate. According to FantasyLabs, Pelicans G Jeremiah Fears (13.4 PPG) usage rate increases by +1.7% when Williamson is off the court, as seen on Monday.
Fears isn’t known for his 3-point shot with 3.4 attempts per game, but he’s drained 7 of his last 14 shots (50.0%).
The rookie’s hot streak from beyond the arc led to 23.0 PPG in his last two games. Dunks & Threes ranks Los Angeles 17th in 3-point shot distribution allowed, while allowing 13.3 triples per game (17th).
The Oklahoma product immediately stepped up in Zion’s March 1 absence, erupting for 28 points. From November 30 to December 11, Fears helped replace Williamson with 16.7 PPG in the six-game split.
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Jeremiah Fears vs. Lakers Projections, Picks
Check out some of Jeremiah Fears’ projections on PrizePicks for Tuesday night’s Pelicans-Lakers battle, which could be of note if Zion sits tonight.
- 11.5 Points
- 17.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts
- 23 Fantasy Score
Make Pelicans vs. Lakers Picks on PrizePicks
Williamson told ESPN he will play vs. the Lakers on Tuesday, but it's likely that the Pelicans' staff will have the final say on whether the former No. 1 pick plays.
NBA Advanced Stats rank the Pelicans 22nd in offensive rating, meaning this team could lack the tools to thrive without Williamson. Fears’ matchup against the Lakers could yield results, but will he do enough if Zion is out?
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