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UPDATE: Jan. 20, 3:54 p.m. — Redick and Holiday will play vs. the Grizz, while Okafor and Favors will be out. Zion is also out, but is expected to make his NBA debut Wednesday vs. the Spurs.
#Pelicans injury updates from Memphis:
— Pelicans PR (@PelicansPR) January 20, 2020
Derrick Favors (Lower Back Soreness), Jahlil Okafor (Lower Back Soreness) and Zion Williamson (Right Knee Scope) are OUT.
Jrue Holiday (Left Elbow Tricep Strain) and JJ Redick (Left Hamstring) are AVAILABLE.
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson is being listed as doubtful for Monday’s game vs. the Memphis Grizzlies.
Pelicans latest injury report:
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) January 19, 2020
JJ Redick listed as probable
Jrue Holiday and Jahlil Okafor are listed as questionable
Zion Williamson listed as doubtful
Zion is still on track to make his NBA debut on Wednesday vs. the San Antonio Spurs, but this is at least notable. It’s the first time the Pels are listing Williamson as something other than out. Jrue Holiday and Jahlil Okafor also have a chance to return to the lineup, while Derrick Favors is also questionable. JJ Redick should be fine after returning last game.
Despite still being under .500 at 16-27, the Pelicans have played better lately, going 10-5 over their past 15 games. This is mostly because Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball are playing up to their potential. But we can expect both Ingram and Ball to lose some fantasy basketball value if Holiday, Favors and Okafor are back in the lineup.
Zion likely won’t return yet, but when he does, that’ll also eat into Ingram and Ball’s usage and minutes slightly. It’s not a big negative but it’s there. We do know that Williamson will be on a minutes limit and he won’t play in back-to-back sets, so while it’s exciting to see Zion ready to go, we also may not see him unleashed for a bit.