Chris Paul Has Some High Praise for this Pelicans Player

Oct 23, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; General view of the shoes worn by New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during warm ups before the game against the Utah Jazz at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Phoenix Suns will be up against the 3-1 New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 7 pm. It will be a 2021 playoff rematch as the two teams faced off in the first round of the NBA playoffs just six months ago. The No. 1 seeded Phoenix Suns came out victorious, winning the series 4-2. However, the Pelicans were without a very key player, who may be back tonight for revenge.

New Orleans’ PF Zion Williamson has been a force ever since entering the league in 2019. Williamson was regarded as one of the best ever college prospects, and so far, he has not disappointed. If it were not for a key injury that caused him to miss the entirety of the 2021 season, the Pelicans would have had the talent to make a very deep playoff run.

Chris Paul took note of this when asked what the main difference is between the Pelicans last year and this year. Paul responded swiftly with one simple name.

“Williamson”

And Chris Paul is not wrong with this answer. Williamson has started in three games against Phoenix in his young career. During those three, he has averaged 30 PPG. 

Now, in his 3rd healthy season in the NBA, the Duke standout is shooting .491%.

The Pelicans’ injury problems

However, injuries are back to haunting Zion and will play a key factor tonight as he is dealing with a lower back problem. As of now, his status is questionable, and it will be a game-time decision.

Adrian Wojnarowski breaks down what to expect.

Reporting for NBA Today on Zion Williamson’s status ahead of Pelicans-Suns tonight (ESPN, 10 ET). pic.twitter.com/y6XYFb5jko

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 28, 2022

In fact, the Pelicans will be without quite a few key players, including:

• Zion Williamson (hip/low back contusion)
• Brandon Ingram (concussion protocols)
• Herb Jones (right knee hyperextension)
• CJ McCollum (right third PIP sprain)
• Jose Alvarado (low back spasms)
• Dyson Daniels (left ankle sprain)
• Kira Lewis Jr. (right knee ACL rehab)
• E.J. Liddell (right knee ACL rehab)

You can find this game on ESPN at 7:00 PM MST.