Against the Pacers, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and…..

Against the Pacers, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum of the Pelicans are questionably injured.

The New Orleans Pelicans will face challenges when they visit the Indiana Pacers, as they’ll be short-handed and fatigued from travel. Arriving at their Indianapolis hotel at sunrise, just 12 hours before their back-to-back road game, adds to their difficulties. Head coach Willie Green will be without at least two key bench players and possibly three starters in Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum.

While the Pelicans have areas to improve, their playoff aspirations hinge on a fully healthy roster. The franchise is known for its cautious approach to injuries, so it’s not surprising that Williamson (left foot contusion), McCollum (left ankle sprain), and Ingram (right ankle sprain) were all listed as questionable for their lone visit to Indiana. The Pelicans’ challenging airport experience leaving New York worsened the situation.

The matchup between New Orleans and Indiana airs at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. This will be the Pelicans’ fifth game in seven days. Jose Alvarado (suspended) and Dyson Daniels (recovering from left knee surgery) are already ruled out. The availability of the Big Three will be determined closer to game time. Although the Pelicans have struggled on national TV this season, the announcers should acknowledge the unique circumstances of this game.

Williamson has played in six consecutive games but sat out a February 10 game against the Portland Trail Blazers, which was also part of a back-to-back situation. Ingram injured his ankle in the recent win over the New York Knicks, while McCollum has been sidelined since spraining his ankle against the Miami Heat.