Is Zion Williamson Playing Tonight Against the LA Lakers? Pelicans Star Given Green Light Amid High-Stakes Matchups (Nov. 14)

The New Orleans Pelicans have been struggling with multiple injury problems recently, particularly star Zion Williamson, but head coach Willie Green has now been handed a boost.

The team announced on Wednesday that Williamson has been cleared to resume on-court training for the first time since he was diagnosed with a hamstring strain on Nov. 4. However, Friday’s NBA Cup clash against the LA Lakers comes too soon for the forward.

The former No. 1 overall pick will probably sit out the Lakers game to regain full strength. He still has a way to go before he's able to compete fully. The ideal scenario for Williamson would be playing the home game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

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Zion Williamson has only played four games, with the star forward averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. In his absence, the team recorded their first win of the season, that too a back-to-back.

However, they went back to their old ways, losing the following three games, including a 23-point blowout against the Phoenix Suns, a seven-point loss to the Spurs, and an eight-point loss to the Blazers. The Pelicans were severely outrebounded and outmuscled in the paint during these matchups.

Coach Green is under increasing pressure, and fans were far from impressed with his team's performance and approach to the game. It will be interesting to see how they are able to get back into winning column, given they face the Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Nuggets next week.

They are currently languishing at the bottom with a 2-9 record and have the second-worst FG% and the worst in assists overall.

How to watch LA Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans?

The LA Lakers vs. Pelicans game is set for Friday at the Smoothie King Center, with tipoff slated for 5 p.m. ET.

For viewers in the U.S., the game will be shown live on Spectrum SportsNet LA (local) and Gulf Coast Sports (local), with coverage beginning one hour before tipoff.

Those who prefer streaming can watch the game through NBA League Pass and the Fubo TV app and website. Free highlights will be available shortly after the game on the NBA app and YouTube.

Edited by Mervin LR