Will Zion Williamson Finally Play a Back-to-Back Game? Massive Decision Looms for Pelicans Star vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Dec. 23)

The Zion Williamson-led New Orleans Pelicans will have a couple of game-time decisions for the second half of a back-to-back against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Williamson’s six-year career has had more ups and downs than a roller coaster. And much has to do with his inability to stay healthy but the two-time All-Star has never given up on himself. After missing about 56.7% of the games this season due to four significant injury issues, the former No. 1 overall pick has looked as healthy as he ever has over the last four games.

The 25-year-old forward looked like a man possessed during the stretch. The Pelicans, who have struggled immensely all season long, are currently rolling through a five-game winning streak, their first such streak since March 2023.

Zion Williamson did not start in any of the four games, as he has been on a minutes restriction. New Orleans’ staff has managed his workload carefully, opting to bring him off the bench, and he has not disappointed.

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Since it’s a back-to-back home-to-road trip, Zion Williamson’s status remains unclear. He played 25 minutes in Monday’s 119-113 win over the Dallas Mavericks. However, he hasn’t played in a back-to-back stretch since Oct. 29-30, 2024. If he does play, it will surely be off the bench, but we’ll have to wait and see what head coach James Borrego is willing to do.

Zion Williamson’s Stats vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Zion Williamson averages 26.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in six games against the Cavaliers. He holds a 4-2 record. Last season, he played only one of the two scheduled games, scoring 29 points in a 131-122 loss. Zion’s highest-ever outing against the Eastern Conference team was 38 points in a 116-109 win in 2021.

How to Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Pelicans vs. Cavaliers matchup is scheduled to take place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, with the tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. This is the first of two games scheduled between the conference rivals this season.

The matchup will be televised locally on FDSOH, Gulf Coast Sports, and Pelicans+. Fans at home can stream via fuboTV, and international viewers can use NBA League Pass.

While the Pelicans are on a winning streak, the Cavaliers have been struggling lately. Losers of six of their last ten games, they are 4-6 over that span. Their morale has been low because of this rough stretch, and they know they need a gritty win to climb up the standings. They will look to do that on their home court on Tuesday.

Edited by Mervin LR