Five Key Pelicans Players Sidelined For Wednesday Home Game Vs. Mavericks

Introduction

The New Orleans Pelicans will be without five key players when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, and Larry Nance Jr. are all sidelined with injuries, leaving the Pelicans shorthanded against one of the Western Conference’s top teams.

Williamson is dealing with a right hamstring strain, while Ingram has a left ankle sprain. McCollum is nursing a right foot sprain, Jones has a left knee sprain, and Nance has a right shoulder sprain. All five players are considered day-to-day, but it is unclear if any of them will be available to play on Wednesday.

The Pelicans have been one of the NBA’s biggest surprises this season, currently sitting at 26-18 and in third place in the Western Conference. They have been led by Williamson, who is averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Ingram is also having a strong season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, are 24-21 and in sixth place in the Western Conference. They are led by Luka Dončić, who is averaging 33.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. Dončić is one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, and he will be a tough matchup for the short-handed Pelicans.

Depth of the Pelicans

Despite the injuries to five key players, the Pelicans still have a deep roster. They have several players who can step up and fill the void, including Josh Richardson, Trey Murphy III, and Willy Hernangómez.

Richardson is a veteran guard who has averaged 11.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game this season. He is a good defender and can also knock down shots from the outside.

Murphy is a second-year forward who has averaged 11.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game this season. He is a good shooter and can also defend multiple positions.

Hernangómez is a veteran center who has averaged 9.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this season. He is a good rebounder and can also score in the post.

Outlook for the Pelicans

The Pelicans are still a playoff contender, even with five key players sidelined. They have a deep roster and a lot of experience. They will need to play well together and execute their game plan, but they have a chance to win on Wednesday night.

The Mavericks are a tough opponent, but the Pelicans have shown that they can beat anyone. They have a lot of young talent and they are playing with a lot of confidence. If they can continue to play at a high level, they have a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Conclusion

The Pelicans are facing a tough challenge on Wednesday night, but they have the talent and depth to overcome it. They will need to play well together and execute their game plan, but they have a chance to win against the Mavericks. If they can continue to play at a high level, they have a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs.