Zion Williamson's Streak Ends at 35 Games New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson's remarkable streak of playing in every game came to an end Sunday as he sat out the team's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks due to a lingering ankle issue. The 22-year-old forward had played in 35 consecutive games, a career-long mark that spanned nearly three seasons. Williamson, who has been dealing with soreness and swelling in his right ankle since last week, was officially listed as out for Sunday's contest. His absence marked the first time he missed a game this season, and only the second instance of him missing a game in his entire NBA career. The Pelicans announced Williamson's status just before tip-off, citing the need to "prioritize his health" after consulting with team medical staff and conducting additional evaluations. Coach Willie Green expressed optimism that Williamson would return to action soon, acknowledging that the injury had been managed effectively so far. "We're not worried about it," Green said in a post-game press conference. "Zion's got a great training staff, great trainers, and we'll just take care of him and get him back out there when he's ready." Williamson's streak had become a significant storyline throughout the season, with fans and media alike marveling at his durability and resilience. The 6-foot-7 forward has established himself as one of the league's most dominant players, earning multiple All-Star selections and accolades for his impressive play. While Williamson's absence was felt by the Pelicans, who fell to the Mavericks 102-98 without their star player, the team remains hopeful that he will return to action soon.#NBA #New_Orleans_Pelicans #Zion_Williamson #Dallas_Mavericks
Pelicans continue dominance over Jazz as Jeremiah Fears' double-double leads the way The New Orleans Pelicans continued their impressive run against the Utah Jazz, taking down their Western Conference foes 117-106 on Tuesday night. A big factor in the victory was the performance of forward Jeremiah Fears, who recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Fears, known for his energetic play and rebounding prowess, played a crucial role in the Pelicans' win. He shot an efficient 10-for-17 from the field and added three assists to his stat line as well. The forward's ability to score and grab rebounds was key in limiting Utah's interior presence and allowing New Orleans to pull away. The Pelicans got off to a strong start, building a double-digit lead early on behind Fears' hot shooting. They took a 27-17 advantage into the second quarter, where they continued to push their margin. Utah struggled to find its footing, committing turnovers and struggling to contain the Pelicans' offense. New Orleans carried that momentum into the third frame, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout. The Jazz made a late surge, but it was too little, too late. Fears and company had already done enough damage to secure the win. The Pelicans' victory marked their seventh straight over Utah, dating back to 2019. They've dominated this series in recent years, with the team's current core players being instrumental in those wins. For now, New Orleans can bask in the glow of a successful homestand against tough opponents. Next up is a road trip out west, where they'll face the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.#Los_Angeles_Lakers #Golden_State_Warriors #New_Orleans_Pelicans #Utah_Jazz #Jeremiah_Fears
Pelicans Injury Report vs. Lakers: Will Zion Williamson & LA's Stars Play? The New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, but they may be without some key contributors due to injury. According to the team's latest injury report, Zion Williamson is listed as questionable with a right knee soreness. Williamson has been dealing with the issue all week and was held out of practice on Thursday. While it's unclear whether he'll play against the Lakers, his status will be re-evaluated ahead of tip-off. In addition to Williamson, the Pelicans are also monitoring the progress of Brandon Ingram, who is listed as probable with a right ankle sprain. Ingram has been battling the injury for several days and may not be at full strength, but he's expected to give it a go against LA. As for the Lakers, they're dealing with their own set of injuries. LeBron James is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, while Anthony Davis is probable with a right calf strain. James was held out of practice on Thursday and may not be ready to play, but Davis is expected to suit up against the Pelicans. Rounding out the Lakers' injury report are Kyle Kuzma (right wrist soreness) and Danny Green (left groin strain), both of whom are listed as probable. The duo has been battling their respective injuries all week and should be available for tonight's matchup. The Pelicans and Lakers will tip off at 10:30 PM ET, with the game airing nationally on ESPN.#LeBron_James #Brandon_Ingram #Los_Angeles_Lakers #New_Orleans_Pelicans #Anthony_Davis #Zion_Williamson #Kyle_Kuzma #Danny_Green #ESPN
NBA Teams' Regrets: One Trade Each Wishes It Could Make Right Now The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, leaving some teams feeling regretful about the moves they didn't make. With hindsight being 20/20, it's easy to imagine which trades each team would wish they could redo right now. Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks traded away their first-round pick in the 2021 draft for the rights to acquire Cam Reddish from the New York Knicks. They'd be happy to get that pick back and rework their roster around Trae Young. A trade for a young talent like Jalen Green or Jonathan Kuminga would give them a much-needed boost on the wing. Boston Celtics: The C's traded away the 2019 first-round pick they acquired from Sacramento, which became Tyler Herro, to the Miami Heat. They'd love to have that pick back and pair it with their current core. A trade for someone like Jarrett Allen or Bam Adebayo would give them a dominant big man to anchor their defense. Brooklyn Nets: The Nets traded away Jeremy L...#NBA #Charlotte_Hornets #Denver_Nuggets #Detroit_Pistons #Chicago_Bulls #Indiana_Pacers #Cleveland_Cavaliers #Orlando_Magic #Toronto_Raptors #Phoenix_Suns #Milwaukee_Bucks #Sacramento_Kings #Los_Angeles_Lakers #Boston_Celtics #Golden_State_Warriors #New_Orleans_Pelicans #Atlanta_Hawks #Brooklyn_Nets #Houston_Rockets #Los_Angeles_Clippers #Memphis_Grizzlies #Miami_Heat #Minnesota_Timberwolves #New_York_Knicks #Oklahoma_City_Thunder #Philadelphia_76ers #Portland_Trail_Blazers #San_Antonio_Spurs #Utah_Jazz
Lakers' Marcus Smart Signing Looks Brilliant After Incredible Night The Los Angeles Lakers made a shrewd move this offseason by signing free agent guard Marcus Smart to a four-year contract worth $52 million. And after an incredible performance in the team's season opener against the Golden State Warriors, it's clear that the Lakers' front office knows a thing or two about making smart moves. Smart, who was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans, showed why he was so coveted on the market with a 30-point, seven-rebound, and five-assist night. He shot an impressive 12-of-20 from the field and added four three-pointers to his stat line, helping the Lakers to a convincing 123-110 win over their Western Conference rivals. The 29-year-old guard's all-around game was on full display as he attacked the basket with ease, drew fouls, and even showed off his defensive prowess by blocking two shots. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways has already made him a fan favorite at Crypto.com Arena, and it's easy to see why. "It's an incredible feeling knowing that I can make a difference on both ends of the floor," Smart said after the game. "I'm just trying to bring energy and enthusiasm every time I step onto the court." The Lakers' signing of Smart has drawn comparisons to their acquisition of point guard Lonnie Walker IV last season, who also made an immediate impact after being traded from the San Antonio Spurs. Like Walker, Smart is expected to be a key contributor off the bench for the Lakers, and his performance in the opener only adds to the excitement. With Smart on board, the Lakers have added another layer of depth to their roster, which already boasted a strong starting five fe...#LeBron_James #Los_Angeles_Lakers #Marcus_Smart #Golden_State_Warriors #New_Orleans_Pelicans #Lonnie_Walker_IV #Anthony_Davis #Russell_Westbrook
