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There appears a decent chance that Zion Williamson will see a minutes increase in today’s matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers.
Williamson was held to just a shade over 15 minutes in the opener against the Utah Jazz, but Alvin Gentry gave rise to hope of the league’s youngest superstar receiving more action today.
Alvin Gentry says Zion Williamson was on a "burst limit" against the Jazz, but that won't necessarily be the case against the Clippers.
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 1, 2020
"It will be up to the medical guys as to when he comes out of the game and when he can go back into the game."
No minutes restriction for Zion Williamson tonight, but the medical team will monitor him as outlined by Griff yesterday.
— David M. Grubb (@DMGrubb) August 1, 2020
Asked about Zion playing at the end of quarters: "We'll have to see... It'll be the flow of the game and how he is. We'd like to have him on the floor as much as we possibly can and that's what we'll try to do."
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) August 1, 2020
Added they will try and manage his time a little bit more today. https://t.co/V85hEZgtYg
The Pelicans are 1-3 in games Williamson sees less than 25 minutes of action, 10-7 when he cracks the 25-minute plateau. Yes, Zion’s short-minute bursts have not been kind to New Orleans regular season W/L record.
Another thing to watch for this evening will be how deep Gentry ventures into his bench.
Pelicans also expect to go deeper into the bench today.
— David M. Grubb (@DMGrubb) August 1, 2020
The head coach lamented some that he didn’t utilize his reserves enough in New Orleans 106-104 loss to Utah a few days ago, so maybe Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Frank Jackson will be given an opportunity to make an impact.
Your starters for tonight:
Tonight’s @PelicansNBA Starters as a desperate Nola team takes on the LA Clippers:
— Jennifer Hale (@JenHale504) August 1, 2020
Lonzo Ball
Jrue Holiday
Brandon Ingram
Zion Williamson
Derrick Favors. #WontBowDown
For more on this evening’s matchup, give Preston’s preview a read.
Who: Los Angeles Clippers vs New Orleans Pelicans
When: August 1, 5:00 p.m. Central
Where to watch: ESPN, FSNO
Where to listen: ESPN 100.3 FM
For more Pelicans talk, subscribe to The Bird Calls podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @OlehKosel.