Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver Nuggets
When: Friday, Jan. 24, 8:00 p.m ET
Where: Smoothie King Center
How to watch: Fox Sports New Orleans
With the madness and chaos of Zion Williamson’s debut in the rearview mirror (so long as you’re not Jimmy Butler), the Pelicans can now move into some normalcy with their star rookie in the lineup.
Ironically, after being injured all season, the Pelicans will be as close to full strength as they’ve been all season while facing a depleted Nuggets side. Only Kenrich Williams has been ruled out for the Pelicans ahead of Friday’s game against the Nuggets. Meanwhile, Denver will be without Mason Plumlee, Jamal Murray and Paul Millsap while Gary Harris and Michael Porter Jr. are both listed as questionable.
It creates a winnable opportunity for the Pelicans in a game that may not have been seen as such leading into the contest.
Containing Nikola Jokic will be the biggest issue at hand for New Orleans. Derrick Favors, Williamson and Jaxson Hayes all will likely defend him at times with the middle of that trio present the most intriguing match-up dilemma.
It’ll be an interesting look at how the Pelicans handle Williamson return in a more natural environment that won’t be quite as chaotic as his debut was.
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