The Pelicans’ stars’ status for Sunday’s game against the Bulls is up in the air.
By Matt Alquiza | 6:00 am CST
Following their first loss since the All-Star break, the Pelicans seek to regroup against the Chicago Bulls. Following Friday night’s fourth-quarter battle against the ia the team will be short-handed due to injuries and suspensions.
The main question is how shorthanded they’ll be. One thing is certain: CJ McCollum, the starting point guard, will not play on Sunday evening.
The Pelicans’ starting guard injured his ankle early in the second period against the Heat and did not return to the game. The Pelicans offense struggled down the stretch without McCollum and backup point guard Jose Alvarado, who was booted after a scuffle with Heat’s Thomas Bryant. New Orleans will sorely miss McCollums’ 18 points per game and 40% shooting from long against the Bulls, especially if Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are unable to play.
On top of the current ailments, the Pelcicns are waiting with bated breath to find out the consequences for the players that participated in the extracurricular activities on Friday night. Alvarado and Naji Marshall were both removed from the game during the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans are not the only ones dealing with injuries ahead of Sunday night’s game. Chicago is also without a few starters, and the Bulls-Pelicans game will undoubtedly be a fight of attrition between two shorthanded teams.Patrick Williams (foot), Torrey Craig (knee), Zach Lavine (foot), and Lonzo Ball (knee
If Williamson and Ingram are unable to play, the Pelicans will miss 62.7 points per game from their starting lineup. That’s awful news for a team that needs every win it can get to make the Western Conference playoffs. Stay tuned to the latest status reports to find out who will be wearing the NOLA across their chest on Sunday night.
