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 Return: A Glimpse of Pelicans’ Potential
Photo by Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Zion Williamson made his long-awaited return to the court for the New Orleans Pelicans, and his performance has reignited discussions about the team’s future. Despite a 104-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Williamson’s impact was undeniable, showcasing why he remains a cornerstone for the franchise.
In just under 28 minutes of play, Williamson posted an impressive stat line: 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. His efficiency and overall impact were evident, especially considering this was his first game back after a two-month absence.
Williamson’s Effect on Teammates
One of the most notable aspects of Williamson’s return was his impact on teammate Dejounte Murray. Murray had his best game as a Pelican, scoring 29 points on 12-of-20 shooting. This performance highlighted how Williamson’s presence on the court can create opportunities for his teammates.
The Pelicans’ Future
While Williamson’s return is promising, it also raises questions about the team’s long-term strategy. His performance suggests that building around him could be the right move, but his injury history and extended absences remain concerns.
The game against the Timberwolves offered a glimpse of what a fully healthy Pelicans team could achieve. With Williamson back and other key players like Trey Murphy potentially returning soon, New Orleans could see a significant improvement in their performance.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Zion Williamson’s return and its implications for the Pelicans, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- Analysis of Willie Green’s coaching decisions
- CJ McCollum’s struggles and bench decision
- Impact of missing Trey Murphy on team performance
Jan 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a fouled was not called against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Smoothie King Center. | Matthew Hinton/Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
How can you know in the NBA if something’s real?
If a team really is on a sustainable upward trajectory, or if they’ve overachieved? If a player whose name has become synonymous with trade talks really wants out (or in somewhere else, depending on how you’re looking at it)? How can you tell the difference between talent and development, and when does it start to matter? And how do you know that regular season dominance will translate into postseason competence, let alone contention?
I’ve been thinking about NBA mirages, the things we will ourselves into believing over the course of a season, as a few of the league’s prominent storylines play out. What constitutes an NBA mirage is that it has justenough staying power at a distance, but like the real thing, when you start to interrogate it up close its corporeal outlines vanish.
Trades are a huge generator of NBA mirages. I hate to think how many ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine tool is pumping out per hour as the trade deadline approaches. Jimmy Butler’s request for a trade out of Miami is one of the reasons I started thinking about them, specifically, where they shift from fantasy to reality. The prospect of a trade, for Butler, is as solid as the car he gets in to drive himself to Heat games. For Pat Riley and the Heat’s front office, the trade’s an illusion (delusion, maybe, if you asked Riley). What’s real to them is Butler’s behaviour, which they emphasized by suspending him for seven games.
Does Butler, since then reported to have asked both the Bucks and the Grizzlies not to trade for him, make his potential trade more real by narrowing its scope? Or is he limiting himself and his chances of an exit — any exit — from Miami?
Shifting from trades to returns, Zion Williamson’s back on the floor in New Orleans. Williamson’s dunks, like his first in-game slam last night since early November, have a knack for calling to mind immediately the contours of the earth under your feet. I tend to curl my toes against the ground, checking it’s still there. Why then, does he make me think of mirages? The hope for Williamson, since he entered the league, has been consistency — in his health, his game, his career.
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.
Must Read Amid Pacific wildfires, Steve Kerr and JJ Redick’s families have evacuated the area. (CNN)
Biz What the EuroLeague and IMG’s new deals mean for the future of basketball in Europe. (The Athletic)
Analysis In a dominant performance, Zion Williamson picked up right where he left off, reminding everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Zion’s return showcased his incredible athleticism and scoring ability. (NOLA)
Rumor As the trade deadline approaches, Zion Williamson’s availability is a hot topic. His performance is sure to impact decisions and strategies across the league, making him a key player to watch. Trade discussions are intensifying around his future. (Pelican Debrief)
Analysis Revisiting last season’s significant trades, the outcomes show varying degrees of success. For the Pelicans, reflecting on these decisions helps in assessing their current roster and future strategies. Trade re-grades offer insights into team dynamics. (Bleacher Report)
Prediction Updated win-loss predictions for the Pelicans reveal expectations for the rest of the season. These forecasts highlight the challenges and opportunities lying ahead. Season predictions provide a glimpse into the team’s potential trajectory. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis Zion Williamson’s return to the lineup has been impressive, but there’s concern the cycle of injuries might repeat. (CBS Sports)
Preview The Trail Blazers are taking on the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Tuesday’s Key Fantasy Basketball Notes
Jan 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) signals to his team during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA action brought a mix of surprises and disappointments across seven games. The Phoenix Suns, despite their recent lineup changes, continue to underperform, raising questions about their strategy and team dynamics.
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a significant setback, losing to a depleted Dallas Mavericks team. This loss highlights ongoing concerns about the Lakers’ consistency and ability to compete against even weakened opponents.
In a thrilling finish, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks showcased his clutch abilities by sinking a half-court shot to secure a victory. Young’s performance was stellar throughout the game, finishing with an impressive 24 points and 20 assists.
Injury Updates and Roster Moves
Several key players were sidelined due to injuries or illness. Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs is out with a back issue, potentially impacting his trade value. Jerami Grant’s facial contusion continues to sideline him, opening up opportunities for players like Deni Avdija.
The Philadelphia 76ers are facing challenges with both Joel Embiid and Paul George out, though not due to a back-to-back situation. This absence further complicates the 76ers’ season, which has already been marred by inconsistency.
Ausar Thompson’s absence due to illness raises concerns, especially given his history of health issues. While the exact nature of his current condition remains unclear, fans and fantasy managers alike are hoping it’s not as serious as his previous bout with blood clots.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire has seen some interesting movement, with Bryce Sensabaugh emerging as the most-added player despite missing a game due to illness. Ryan Dunn and Nikola Jovic have also seen increased interest, though their long-term value remains questionable.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
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