New Orleans Pelicans Injury Update: Latest on Zion Williamson's Status as 5 Players Ruled Out vs. Mavericks (Nov. 21)

The New Orleans Pelicans will square off against the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Cup game on Friday. Zion Williamson was not listed on the injury report ahead of the contest and will once again lead the team's charge. The superstar forward made his comeback against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday after missing eight consecutive games with a left hamstring strain.

He played 29 minutes in his comeback and delivered a steady all-round performance. The former Duke phenom finished with 14 points on 6 of 13 shooting, along with six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one rebound.

Pelicans coach James Borrego confirmed that Williamson was a full participant in Thursday's practice and even arrived early to get some extra work done. Meanwhile, Borrego stated that whether Williamson plays on the backend of a back-to-back on Saturday is yet to be determined.

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Zion Williamson has already missed 10 out of the Pelicans' 15 games this season as the franchise sits at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 2-13 record. Williamson is averaging 22.8 points on 48.7% shooting, along with 6.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game.

The Pelicans are without five players for the Mavericks game. Karlo Matkovic (right calf strain), Jordan Poole (left quad strain), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), Trey Alexander (G League two-way) and Hunter Dickinson (G League two-way) are all ruled out.

How to watch New Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks?

The New Orleans Pelicans vs. Dallas Mavericks game will take place on Friday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. EST (5:30 p.m. PT).

The Pelicans vs. Mavericks game will air on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network (local) and KFAA (local). Live streaming will be available on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website.

Edited by Atishay Jain