Jake Madison here, the host of the daily Locked On Pelicans podcast, with your daily Locked On Pelicans newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pelicans and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Zion Williamson’s Injury: A Closer Look at the Impact
Photo by Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Zion Williamson’s indefinite absence due to a left hamstring strain has left the New Orleans Pelicans in a precarious position. As a Pelicans insider, I’ve gathered insights that might shift the blame away from where many might expect. The team announced the injury without specifying its severity or a return timeline, a decision likely influenced by Williamson’s history of missing return markers. This cautious approach is understandable given his past struggles with similar injuries.
Williamson’s journey this season has been marred by leg issues, starting with a right hamstring soreness against Atlanta and progressing to a left hamstring strain. The Pelicans’ decision to be cautious is rooted in past experiences, where similar injuries have sidelined him for extended periods. Despite these setbacks, Williamson has shown a strong desire to play, and his efforts to stay in shape during the offseason were evident in his preseason performance.
From conversations with those close to the team, it’s clear that Williamson’s current situation is purely injury-related. There’s no indication of him trying to force a move or being dissatisfied with the team. This is a situation where Williamson’s body isn’t responding as hoped, despite his efforts to maintain peak physical condition. It an unfortunate situation with no blame for anyone.
Trey Murphy’s Return: A Beacon of Hope
Amidst the challenges, Trey Murphy’s return offers a glimmer of hope for the Pelicans. After dealing with his own hamstring issues, Murphy is set to make his season debut against the Brooklyn Nets. While expectations are high, it’s important to remember that Murphy will be on a minutes restriction initially. His presence, however, is crucial for the Pelicans, who are currently struggling with offensive issues.
Murphy’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc is a much-needed asset for the team, which ranks low in three-point attempts. His return could help alleviate some of the pressure on other key players like Brandon Ingram and Jose Alvarado. Murphy’s impact isn’t limited to shooting; his ability to attack the rim and create scoring opportunities will be vital in improving the team’s offensive dynamics.
As the Pelicans navigate this challenging period, the focus remains on weathering the storm of injuries. Williamson’s situation is unfortunate, but it’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. The team’s strategy moving forward will be crucial in determining their success this season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Zion Williamson’s injury and the Pelicans’ strategy, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- Analysis of the Pelicans’ recent game against the Orlando Magic
- Insights into the team’s current offensive and defensive rankings
- Discussion on the impact of injuries on the Pelicans’ season
- Updates on other key players and their roles moving forward
37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists. The first NBA player to reach these numbers in a game, and Nikola Jokic did it on a Sunday night in Denver, snowy pockets of flurries settling over the city. I wish I’d been collecting these stat lines all along, or had thought to make a note on the calendar when they happened. I’d like to see if there’s a pattern, though I’ve got a hunch that the dates would come to mean less than what the volume of them proves: in Jokic’s hands, the unprecedented becomes routine.
It starts with his skill, we know this. But let’s zero in on how he carries himself around the floor, how he moves. Jokic lopes, jogs, shuffles, occasionally bops, tends to move laterally more than he does in a direct line. It all serves to create an illusion that he’s slow and behind the pace. It’s why so many have a difficult time categorizing what it is he’s doing — he doesn’t work the way a basketball player does, tends to be the refrain. It’s because he looks, most of the time, relaxed
He can also appear pressed, like there’s someplace else he’d rather be. This is not the kind of approach we like to see from our stars. If they don’t look dialled in, if it doesn’t look strenuous at least some of the time, we tend to distrust their effort and skill. But Jokic’s arduousness is some of my favourite in the league, because it presents at our expense. And indeed, it must be exhausting to prove nearly every night that you can manipulate the game at every level.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Injury Zion Williamson reported hamstring pain before the Pelicans’ game against the Magic, but the exact moment of the injury is unknown. Read more. (NOLA.com)
Preview The Nets face off against the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center at 8:00 PM EST. Read the preview. (NBA)
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Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Basketball Managers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) holds his leg after a hard following a play against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Paycom Center.|Photo by Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Managers
Sunday’s NBA action took a concerning turn for the Oklahoma City Thunder as Chet Holmgren, their promising young centre, suffered a hip injury just five minutes into the game against the Golden State Warriors. This incident has left both the team and fantasy managers in a state of uncertainty, as Holmgren’s presence on the court has been pivotal.
The Impact of Holmgren’s Injury
Holmgren’s injury occurred during an attempt to contest a dunk, resulting in a hard fall that left him limping off the court. The Thunder have since reported it as a hip injury, but the full extent and severity remain unclear. Given Holmgren’s importance to the Thunder’s lineup, any absence could significantly impact their performance, especially considering their current lack of depth at the centre position.
Potential Replacements and Adjustments
In the wake of Holmgren’s injury, the Thunder may need to rely on a smaller lineup, as they did against the Warriors. This could mean increased minutes for players like Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, who might see more court time and opportunities to contribute. In deeper leagues, Ousmane Dieng could also be considered for a temporary boost, though none are likely to replicate Holmgren’s production. Fantasy managers might consider these short-term pickups, but it’s crucial to temper expectations, as the Thunder’s rotation could remain fluid.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
How the New Orleans Pelicans can make the most of Brandon Boston Jr and Yves Missi Can the New Orleans Pelicans Overcome Their Offensive Woes? Injuries have plagued the New Orleans Pelicans, impacting their ability to execute a fast-paced offense akin to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With key players like Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones sidelined, the Pelicans struggle to find their rhythm.
Zion Williamson shines, but New Orleans Pelicans’ defense falters in loss to Cleveland Cavaliers Zion Williamson’s triumphant return to the New Orleans Pelicans lineup is a game-changer. Despite a scare with a left thigh strain, Zion dazzled with 29 points, showcasing his resilience and skill. Can the Pelicans capitalize on this momentum in the NBA?
Zion Williamson’s injury mystery: What’s really happening with the New Orleans Pelicans? Is something strange happening with Zion Williamson’s injury? The New Orleans Pelicans face a puzzling situation as conflicting reports about Zion’s condition raise eyebrows. Host Jake Madison dives into the Pelicans’ injury woes, discussing the impact on key players like Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, and C.J. McCollum.
