New Orleans Pelicans games that fans must watch in December

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 31: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots against Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Wednesday, December 25th, Denver Nuggets @ New Orleans Pelicans

Celebrating the Christmas holiday as the final game in a string of great NBA coverage on the holiday hosted by ESPN, the New Orleans Pelicans have a heavyweight opponent in the Denver Nuggets.

Last time the two faced-off, on Halloween ironically, the Pelicans looked pretty scary in a 122-107 home win over Denver, a night where Brandon Ingram scored 25 points and the team picked up their first victory of the season.

In the month since, the Nuggets have made a run back to the top-tier of the Western Conference where their 13-5 record puts them at third in the standings. Meanwhile, the Pelicans continue to lack consistency, tumbling to fourteenth in the West, just 2.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the worst spot.

The New Orleans Pelicans shouldn’t expect to see another meager performance from Nikola Jokić, as the 7-footer scored just 13 points with 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the team’s Halloween day loss.

On the season, Jokić averages 15.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. The biggest problem for the Pelicans will be trying to put a body on the floor that can mitigate the scoring big.

Will this be the first time we see Zion Williamson?

The New Orleans Pelicans would be ecstatic if they can get their star rookie back on the floor before this game, but it doesn’t seem out of the question as Zion Williamson inches closer to his first sniff of the NBA hardwood.

After tearing his meniscus in the preseason, the rookie is seemingly behind the timeline of the previously stated 6-to-8 week schedule, but it seems wise for the team to slowly work him back, as they’re not chasing any sort of title this season.

Here's a quick transcript of everything Gentry had to say at practice today about Zion Williamson's recovery.

Zion underwent surgery to repair his torn meniscus exactly six weeks ago today. pic.twitter.com/RBbw8WeheT
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) December 2, 2019

However, the holiday season could have a special present for New Orleans Pelicans fans if Zion can get back on the court for Christmas basketball.

While Zion is still awaiting his return to on-court work, the rookie seems likely to make his return before the end of the year and Christmas Day might be a perfectly comfortable return date for all.

If the New Orleans Pelicans can get Zion back in time for the match-up against Denver, the season might not be lost; it’ll be a good way to get this team a rallying point, as the rookie brings new energy to a team scrambling for answers.

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