New Orleans Pelicans
JJ Reddick prepares to make the assist in the Pelicans win over the Knicks
GAME 40 — Kira Lewis Jr, New Orleans’ 2020 1st round pick (13th overall) scored a season-high 23 points to fuel the Pelicans to a 116-91 win over the New York Knicks in Game 40 of the season. The victory was the third in four games for the suddenly mediocre Pelicans who played without Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson — both sidelined with injuries. Lewis sizzled, scoring 9 buckets in 19 minutes on the court including going 4 for 5 from three-point range.
DOUBLE WHAMMY
With Zion Williamson (left shoulder tendinitis) and Brandon Ingram (pinched nerve in back) missing from the offense, the Pelicans struggled in their last 10 games. Ingram’s last game was a 124-104 win against Indiana on February 10. The team went 3-3 without him. Since Williamson was sidelined, the Pelicans are 4-9.
Projected recovery: Williams – March 11th / Ingram – March 7th
AROUND THE LEAGUE
The Celtics, Clippers, and Heat have emerged as the most consistent winners this season. The Heat will get PG Goran Dragic (16.8 PPG) back from injury soon after being out since January 17 with a broken nose. The Clippers have a healthy rotation. The Celtics have been without PG Kemba Walker since February 7 (broken toe, expected return Match 7). Boston is 5-3 without Walker.
POWER RANKINGS
(Top 5 teams)
Boston Celtics 25-9
Miami Heat 26-11
Los Angeles Clippers 28-11
Memphis Grizzlies 27-12
New Orleans Pelicans 24-14
Giannis (25.0 PPG) returned to the Bucks rotation. Milwaukee (20-21) moved up to 8th place after going 6-4 in their last 10. They still have issues even with Giannis’ offense back. The team is averaging 111.3 PPG which ranks the Bucks in the bottom 10 of the league. But, the Bucks have a new setback — SF Kris Middleton (22.3 PPG) suffered a hand fracture on February 12 and is out through early March.
NBA League Report: Standing, injuries, transactions
