Memphis Grizzlies: Who’s close to challenging for that eighth seed?
By Ethan Becker
No. 1: The New Orleans Pelicans
There’s no understating it, Zion Williamson has been outstanding.
When Williamson got injured during the 2019 preseason, there were those who said the New Orleans should just shut him down for the year, and try again next year.
Yeah, they didn’t do that.
Instead, the Pelicans bided their time until their young superstar returned, and then proceeded to go on an absolute tear. New Orleans is 8-6 since the return of Zion, and have kept it close against high-level teams like the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets.
As for Zion himself, he’s been scary in his short run. Even with just 13 NBA games under his belt, Zion is already averaging 23.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game with a shooting split of 57/41/61.
Since the All-Star break, Zion has been even more intimidating. Since then, he’s averaged 27.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 56.4 percent from the field, 54.3 percent from the free throw line, and he has yet to miss a 3-point shot.
Next. A road trip to forget for the Memphis Grizzlies. dark
Williamson is New Orleans ticket to the postseason, but it’s not going to be an easy trek. They’ll need help from Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. New Orleans is fortunate in the sense that they have no injuries, and when all things are considered, should probably be the presumptive favorite to upset the Grizzlies, and play on into April.