The New Orleans Pelicans will be significantly shorthanded for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers, as seven players, including their five highest-paid athletes, have been ruled out. This news was reported by Will Guillory of The Athletic.
Among the key absentees is star forward Zion Williamson, who is sidelined for the second consecutive game as part of the team’s management of his left hamstring injury. This issue has previously cost him eight games earlier this month due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. In addition, the team will be without Dejounte Murray, who is nursing a right Achilles rupture, and Jordan Poole, who is dealing with a left quad strain.
Other players that will miss the clash due to injuries include Karl Matkovic with a right calf strain and Herbert Jones, both of whom have been ruled out and have missed several games already. Jordan Hawkins will also sit out his second straight match due to illness, alongside Trey Murphy III, who is experiencing discomfort from right elbow soreness. The Pelicans are facing a tough challenge ahead, especially after losing to the Golden State Warriors the previous day.
Despite these adversities, the Pelicans have shown resilience in the past and will aim to bring in fresh energy from their bench players. Fans will be hoping that the team can rally together and put forth a competitive effort against the Lakers. The situation presents an opportunity for backup players to step up and showcase their potential, which could bode well for the team’s depth moving forward.