Game Preview: Pelicans vs. Maverick’s
The New Orleans Pelicans return home after a tough 0-3 road trip, hoping to secure a win against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. The Pelicans recently defeated the Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center, where they put up a strong performance, with Williamson still working his way back into shape following a hamstring injury.
Since his return, the two-time All-Star has been impressive, averaging 23 points, nine rebounds, and shooting 58% from the field over six games. However, the Pelicans are taking a cautious approach with his recovery, keeping him on a minutes restriction. Williamson has yet to play more than 30 minutes in a game and has not participated in back-to-back matchups.
Williamson is not listed on the injury report for Wednesday’s game, meaning he is set to play against the Mavericks.
Zion’s Impact and Dallas’ Interior Defense
Williamson is expected to be dominant inside against a depleted Dallas frontcourt. The Mavericks will be without Dereck Lively II, Maxi Kleber, and Dwight Powell, leaving their interior defense vulnerable. Since joining the Pelicans in 2019, Williamson has led the NBA in points in the paint, averaging over 15 per game. However, his physical style of play sometimes results in missed foul calls from referees.
On Monday night, Pelicans head coach Willie Green was ejected for arguing a non-call on Williamson during the fourth quarter. This was Green’s second career ejection, but he hopes to send a message that his star forward deserves more foul calls.
