The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Houston Rockets on Thursday at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Pelicans are coming off a tough 132-129 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, while the Rockets are riding high after a 114-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Ahead of the game, both teams have released their injury reports. The Pelicans have five players listed, including star Zion Williamson, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Alongside Williamson, Brandon Ingram will also miss the game due to an ankle injury. Karlo Matkovic is out with a back issue, while Jose Alvarado, Trey Murphy III, and Javonte Green are all listed as questionable due to hamstring, ankle, and knee concerns, respectively.
The Rockets have a shorter injury list. Dillon Brooks is out due to an ankle injury, and Tari Eason is listed as questionable for the rest.
Kendrick Perkins Raises Concerns About Zion Williamson’s Future
Recent developments, including Zion Williamson’s decision to part ways with his agency, have added uncertainty to his future with the Pelicans. Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins recently shared that there seems to be a lack of alignment between Williamson and the Pelicans. According to Perkins, sources in New Orleans suggest that the team and Williamson are not on the same page.
“My sources in New Orleans tell me that, initially, they are not aligned. Not at all. I will never doubt whether a player is genuinely injured, but that’s a concern over there. To me, if an athlete says he has a problem, then that’s it. End of story. However, if you take tests, the images need to confirm the report,” Perkins said.
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Williamson has been sidelined with a hamstring injury after playing just six games this season. Before his injury, Williamson was putting forward some stellar performances for the Pelicans. He averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game this season.
Also Read: 76ers Star Joel Embiid Breaks Silence On His Ankle Injury Scare During Pre-Game Workout
