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.
Pelicans’ Injury Woes: Bad Luck or Deeper Issues?
Photo by Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a challenging season, with injuries plaguing their roster. The question on everyone’s mind is whether these setbacks are simply bad luck or indicative of deeper issues within the team’s medical and training staff. As a Pelicans insider, I’ve been closely following the situation, and it’s clear that the team is navigating uncharted waters.
Unprecedented Injury Challenges
The Pelicans have been hit hard, missing their top eight rotation players, which is unprecedented. This situation has forced the team to rely on players who wouldn’t typically see significant minutes, creating a lineup that struggles to compete against more established teams. The financial impact is also staggering, with $160 million in salary sidelined, leaving only $12 million in active play against teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The injuries aren’t just a matter of bad luck. While some, like Dejounte Murray’s broken thumb, are unfortunate accidents, others, such as Zion Williamson’s recurring hamstring issues, suggest a need for a more proactive approach to player health. Williamson’s situation is particularly concerning, as his hamstring problems have persisted despite efforts to improve his fitness and conditioning.
Zion Williamson’s Health: A Lingering Concern
Williamson’s health is a focal point for the Pelicans. Despite his efforts to get in shape, his recurring injuries raise questions about his day-to-day body maintenance and the extra measures needed to prevent future issues. The comparison to Stephen Curry’s early career ankle problems is apt; Curry had to adopt a rigorous regimen to overcome his injuries, and Williamson may need to do the same.
The Pelicans are at a crossroads with Williamson. As they approach year seven with him, the lack of playoff appearances is a growing concern. The team must weigh the potential of moving forward without him, especially if his health continues to be a liability. However, trading him when his value is low could be a strategic misstep, as the offers may not reflect his true potential.
Looking Ahead
The Pelicans’ future hinges on their ability to navigate these injury challenges. As key players like CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and Murray return, the team must assess their performance and decide whether to push for a playoff spot or focus on rebuilding for the future. The upcoming draft offers a chance to strengthen the roster, but the decision to tank or compete will depend on the team’s performance in the coming weeks.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ injury challenges and strategic decisions, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- Evaluating the Pelicans’ defensive struggles and potential solutions
- The emergence of Yves Missi as a key player in the lineup
- The impact of Brandon Ingram’s performance on the team’s dynamics
- Exploring the potential of young talents like Brandon Boston Jr.
- The role of Willie Green in navigating the team’s current challenges
They’ve had close wins, technical wins, nail-biters and blow-outs; they’ve (reportedly) turned down superstars and and currently sit third in the west with a record of 11-5 — In a Western Conference finally coming alive, can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
The Rockets are on pace to tie or surpass the franchise’s win record of 64, set by a team led by James Harden in 2017-2018. It was Harden’s — and all the failed years of being in the running for title contention — ghost that still hung over the franchise as recently as last season, no matter that Harden himself has been part of three different rosters since he sulked his way out of Houston. Everything from the Rockets brand of basketball to the team’s waylaid trajectory back into competition had been set and then upended by him.
It was something of an exorcism then, that Houston handily beat Harden’s current team, the Clippers, in back-to-back games this week.
What feels especially lasting about the winning pace the Rockets have set is that there’s plenty room for the team to improve. Houston’s sitting at 25th overall in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point percentage, and is still claiming the ninth overall offensive ranking in the league. Their starters have all been shooting well below their career bests, and yet, nothing about the Rockets’ wins have looked harried.
For a team that has an average of just four years NBA experience between them, there’s a wealth of patience. When the Rockets have been pressed this season, or teams like the Pacers and Bulls have tried to rush them with pace, they fall back on snapping passes and sinking into ball movement. There are still sequences of ISO ball and flubbed defensive rotations, but Houston has leaned into their transitions as opportunities to reset. No doubt in part to having the always unflappable Fred VanVleet driving this thing, plus the veteran offensive ballasts of Jeff Green and Dillon Brooks.
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.
Legacy Will NBA expansion bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle? Find out. (The Athletic)
Biz Amid their early-season tank, the Sixers expected to scour the trade market for power forwards. (Real GM)
Injury Jordan Hawkins has been upgraded to questionable for the Pelicans’ upcoming game. His status will be closely monitored as the team prepares to face their next opponent. Jordan Hawkins could make a significant impact if he returns to the court. (NOLA.com)
Preview The Warriors will take on the Pelicans in a battle at the Smoothie King Center at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
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Franz Wagner A First Round Fantasy Basketball Player?
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (4) after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 3-point basket with 2.5 seconds left in the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic edged out the LA Lakers with a 119-118 victory. The game was a showcase of talent and strategy, with the Magic overcoming a deficit to secure the win. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a stellar 37 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around game, including four steals and four threes, solidified his status as a top fantasy asset. Wagner’s recent performances have elevated him to first-round value in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sell-high candidate, though his current form might make holding onto him equally appealing.
Dalton Knecht’s Role and Performance
Dalton Knecht played a significant role for the Lakers, logging the most minutes on the team. While his 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist were solid, they highlighted the limitations in his fantasy profile. Knecht’s reliance on scoring and shooting efficiency means that while he’s a valuable asset, his contributions in other categories remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely, especially as the Lakers adjust their rotations.
Anthony Black’s Consistency Concerns
Anthony Black’s performance was less consistent, with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 25% shooting. While his recent games have shown flashes of potential, this outing underscores the volatility in his production. Fantasy managers who picked up Black for his upside should consider holding him through the Magic’s favourable schedule but remain cautious about his long-term consistency.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
Antonio Reeves has BREAKOUT game for New Orleans Pelicans Rookie sensation Antonio Reeves lit up the court with a stunning 34-point performance, proving his potential as a key shooter for the New Orleans Pelicans. With the team missing their top eight players, including a staggering $160 million in salary, the Pelicans faced significant challenges.
New Orleans Pelicans’ big loss: What went wrong against Luka Doncic and Dallas Mavericks? The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a staggering 132-91 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, a blow that significantly impacts their NBA Cup point differential. With star player Brandon Ingram constantly double-teamed, the Pelicans struggled to find offensive support.
New Orleans Pelicans’ playoff hopes: Too early to tank? Can the New Orleans Pelicans Turn Their Season Around? The New Orleans Pelicans, currently at 4-10, are just three games shy of the 10th seed Play-In spot. With key players returning from injury, is it too soon to consider tanking?
