Is Zion Williamson playing today? Pelicans injury update for October 14th

On Saturday, the New Orleans Pelicans suit up for their third preseason game of the 2023-24 NBA cycle against the Atlanta Hawks at 3:30 PM EST (2:30 PM CST). As it stands, the team is 0-2 (Hawks are 2-0) and heading into their first road game of the preseason. Although, since this is only an exhibition competition, these games have no implications on their playoff chances.

But what does matter is getting their key contributors like Zion Williamson up to speed. Before their Tuesday game against the Orlando Magic, Williamson hadn’t played a real basketball game in 281 days. So, will we see him against the Hawks?

As of right now, Williamson is not listed on the Pelicans’ injury report (according to ESPN). That was also the case prior to Thursday’s game against the Houston Rockets. And as many of you are well aware, he did end up playing in that game (Williamson played nearly 22 minutes).

Along with Williamson, none of the Pelicans (Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, Jonas Valanciunas, and Jose Alvarado) carry any injury designation heading into Saturday’s game. So, look to see all of them too. Naji Marshall, Dyson Daniels, and Jordan Hawkins are all also fully healthy and good to go.

With that said, you will not be seeing Trey Murphy III, who is expected to miss (at least) the first month of the season as he recovers from an offseason surgery on his left meniscus.  Larry Nance Jr. and Jose Alvarado also didn’t play in the first preseason game. They likely won’t be appearing in this contest either (their goal is to be available by opening night).

The team’s only major offseason acquisition, Cody Zeller, didn’t appear in either of the Pelicans’ first two preseason games, and he’s still listed as day-to-day on the injury report. So, it is up in the air about whether or not this game will be his Pelicans debut.

After Saturday’s game, the Pelicans have one more game left on their preseason docket. They play the Magic again (but this time on the road) on Tuesday, October 17th at 7 PM EST (6 PM CST).