New Orleans Pelicans DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (back) won't play on Sunday against Detroit. After appearing in a career-high 70 games last season, the former Duke Blue Devil has been on the floor only 30 times throughout the 2024-25 campaign. He's battled various ailments during the year. Yet, a back injury will keep him off the floor for a second-straight contest. The Pelicans aren't going to the postseason, so it's unknown how much work Williamson will see moving ahead. But it's not an ideal scenario for those hunting for a fantasy basketball title. With Yves Missi (hip) also sidelined for Sunday's contest, Bruce Brown, amassing 14 points in Friday's blowout loss to the Timberwolves, will probably remain in the starting lineup. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl should also stay in the rotation.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/centerZion Williamson(back) won't play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Williamson was previously left off the injury but will now be sidelined due to a lower back contusion. The Pelicans superstar had played in two straight games, and on Wednesday, he finished with 29 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and three steals across 30 minutes against the Timberwolves. Bruce Brown will have an increased role with Williamson on the shelf this evening.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (shoulder) has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024-25 season. The 24-year-old injured his right shoulder in Monday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons and has been diagnosed with a torn labrum and partial tear of the rotator cuff in his shoulder. This marks a very sad ending to a big year for Murphy III, who averaged career highs in multiple categories, including points (21.2), rebounding (5.1), and assists (3.5). With Murphy III done for the year, Jordan Hawkins, Jose Alvarado, and Bruce Brown are likely to receive more playing opportunities for the rest of the way.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Kelly Olynyk (finger) will be active on Monday against the Detroit Pistons. The versatile veteran is dealing with a sprained finger, but the team has upgraded Olynyk's status from questionable to available. Since acquiring him from the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans has regularly used Olynyk as a starter. The 33-year-old is averaging 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists with his new squad.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Zion Williamson (personal) will return to the lineup for Monday's action against the Detroit Pistons. He sat out Saturday's contest versus the San Antonio Spurs for personal reasons. Initially, Williamson's status was also uncertain for Monday night when the team listed him as questionable for the game. However, he has been upgraded to available. The Pelicans superstar recently posted his second career triple-double and has been crushing it. Over six March appearances, Williamson has averaged 23.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 29.3 minutes.