After missing the last two games with a stomach virus, Lonzo Ball will make his return for the New Orleans Pelicans when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center on Sunday.
Additionally, Ball will start for the first time since Nov. 8, according to Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry. It’s unclear who Ball will start in place of, but with both Kenrich Williams and Derrick Favors sidelined for Sunday’s matchup with the Thunder, expect Brandon Ingram to start at power forward alongside Jahlil Okafor, who Gentry said will start in place of rookie Jaxson Hayes. Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick will likely round out the starting lineup.
Ball has struggled to make impact on the Pelicans this season, in large part due to issues with his health, so hopefully Sunday is the start of a healthy rest of the season for the third-year point guard. If not, he could find himself on the bench once again when Derrick Favors and Zion Williamson eventually return.
The Pelicans and Thunder will tip-off at 5 p.m. EST.