Zion Williamson, Pelicans Face Struggling Spurs Without Victor Wembanyama

Pelicans need to stay focused and not allow struggling Spurs an opportunity to win.

New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans (10-9) host the San Antonio Spurs (3-15) Friday evening in New Orleans. The Pelicans have won three straight home games and five of their last six in the Smoothie King Center. San Antonio is on a 13-game losing streak, including a loss Thursday night to the Atlanta Hawks.

New Orleans welcomed CJ McCollum back to the lineup in Wednesday's victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. McCollum was sidelined with a collapsed lung since Nov 2. In his return, CJ scored 20 points in 28 minutes of action. The Pelicans look to return another key member of their team on Friday.

Trey Murphy III expects to make his season debut against San Antonio. Murphy III injured his meniscus during an offseason workout and has not played this season. Trey was an integral part of the offense last season, averaging 14.5 points on 40% shooting from the three-point line. Murphy III started 65 games for New Orleans last season.

Fans excited to see Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama play for the first time in New Orleans may have to wait a bit longer. Spurs Coach Greg Popovich told reporters after the loss against the Hawks that the rookie may sit out against the Pelicans because of hip soreness. The No. 1 overall pick in this past draft is averaging 19.2 points and 9.5 rebounds thus far. 

Nov 30, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) in the first half at the Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Without the 7-foot-4 big man's presence, the Spurs will have even more trouble guarding New Orleans. San Antonio gives up the third most points per game in the league (124.1). They're near the bottom of the league in opponent points per game in the paint, which should be a recipe for Zion Williamson to have success scoring.

Williamson is coming off a near-historic game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Zion scored 33 points on 11/11 shooting initially. The NBA later revealed he was credited for a missed shot that brought his field goals to 11/12 in the game. If the 100% shooting from the field remained, Williamson would have the fifth-highest scoring game without missing a shot in NBA history. 

One area the Spurs excel in is moving the basketball. San Antonio ranks third in the NBA in assists per game (29.3). New Orleans must look to take care of the basketball and not give the Spurs any life. In Wednesday night's game versus the Sixers, the Pelicans committed 21 turnovers that allowed Philly to creep back into the game. With San Antonio playing off a back-to-back the Pelicans should push the ball with pace, but not commit the silly turnover. 

New Orleans has a quick turnaround after this game. They travel to Chicago to battle the Bulls on Saturday evening. After that, it's off to Sacramento for the Quarterfinals of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament. The winner moves on to Las Vegas for a chance to win in the semifinal and championship rounds.