Injury Report: Six Pelicans Players Out Against Golden State Warriors
Six Pelicans On March 29, 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans faced off against the Golden State Warriors in what proved to be a tough matchup for the shorthanded Pelicans. Missing six key players due to various injuries, the Pelicans were unable to keep up with the Warriors’ full-strength roster, ultimately losing 111-95. The absence of key players, including Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, had a significant impact on the team’s performance, both offensively and defensively. Six Pelicans This article takes a closer look at the injuries affecting the Pelicans, how the team performed under these circumstances, and the long-term outlook for New Orleans.
Table of Contents
1. Zion Williamson’s Absence: A Key Factor
What Zion Brings to the Table
Six Pelicans Zion Williamson is arguably the most important player on the Pelicans’ roster, and his absence due to a lower back injury has had a profound effect on the team’s offense and defense. Williamson is known for his explosive athleticism, scoring ability in the paint, and dominant rebounding skills. His ability to draw defenders into the paint opens up shooting lanes for others, making him an integral part of the Pelicans’ offensive scheme.
Without Zion, New Orleans lost a primary scoring option and one of their most effective players in transition. Zion’s presence not only impacts the Pelicans’ ability to score efficiently but also their ability to control the tempo of the game. This injury forced the team to rely more on their perimeter shooting and playmaking, which, as the game against the Warriors showed, wasn’t enough to keep pace with a championship contender.
A Stagnant Offense
Without Williamson, the Pelicans lacked a consistent offensive identity. They were forced to play a more perimeter-oriented game, and while players like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are capable of scoring from the outside, they don’t bring the same interior presence that Zion does. This imbalance led to the Pelicans’ struggles to finish at the basket and generate easy scoring opportunities. Additionally, Zion’s absence also meant the team had to rely heavily on Jaxson Hayes and Yves Missi for post-play, which isn’t their natural strength.
2. CJ McCollum: A Missed Playmaking Presence
McCollum’s Leadership Void
The Pelicans were also without CJ McCollum, who was sidelined due to an ankle sprain. McCollum is one of the team’s most experienced players and an important figure both as a scorer and playmaker. His ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting and facilitate the offense with his playmaking is a huge asset to the Pelicans. With McCollum out, the team struggled to create efficient offense, particularly in high-pressure moments.
While McCollum may not have the explosive athleticism of other guards, his ability to hit clutch shots and create for others makes him an important part of the Pelicans’ lineup. His absence against the Warriors meant that other players had to step up to fill his void, but none were able to replicate his scoring consistency or playmaking abilities. As a result, New Orleans found it difficult to keep pace with the Warriors, who were firing on all cylinders with their high-powered offense.
The Struggle to Create Opportunities
With McCollum out, Elfrid Payton took on a larger playmaking role but wasn’t able to match McCollum’s level of effectiveness. Payton’s limitations as a shooter and scorer were exposed, particularly against the Warriors’ defense, which easily sagged off him. Without McCollum’s ability to stretch the floor, the Pelicans’ offense became increasingly predictable and less dynamic.
3. Brandon Ingram’s Absence: Another Blow to Scoring
Scoring Void Without Ingram
Brandon Ingram, another key player for the Pelicans, was out due to an ankle injury that had kept him on the shelf for a significant portion of the season. Ingram’s ability to create his own shot and score from all areas of the floor made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the Pelicans’ rotation. His absence against the Warriors left New Orleans without one of their primary offensive threats, especially in the clutch.
Ingram’s scoring prowess was especially missed in the second half, where the Pelicans struggled to generate consistent offense. The team tried to rely on Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III, but neither was able to replicate Ingram’s scoring ability. With no consistent go-to scorer, the Pelicans were forced into a more passive offensive approach, which allowed the Warriors to clamp down defensively and control the game.
Lack of Offensive Cohesion
Without Ingram, the Pelicans’ offense lacked cohesion and flow. While players like Bruce Brown and Yves Missi tried to pick up the slack, it was clear that they were not able to generate the same level of scoring efficiency or court presence as Ingram. This lack of offensive cohesion, combined with other key injuries, ultimately contributed to the Pelicans’ inability to close out the game against the Warriors.
4. Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III: Missing Defensive Presence
Defensive Gaps
Herb Jones, known for his strong perimeter defense, was also out due to a knee injury. Jones is one of the best defenders on the Pelicans and has the ability to guard multiple positions, making him an important piece on that end of the floor. His absence allowed the Warriors to operate more freely on the perimeter, with players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson able to get clean looks without facing the pressure Jones typically provides.
Additionally, Trey Murphy III, a promising young shooter and wing defender, was sidelined due to a shoulder strain. Murphy’s athleticism and length made him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor, and his absence left the Pelicans lacking a reliable shooter and defender. The Warriors were able to exploit these defensive gaps, making it easier for them to score both in transition and in half-court sets.
Defensive Struggles Without Key Defenders
With Jones and Murphy out, the Pelicans struggled to contain the Warriors’ outside shooters. The combination of Curry, Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins proved too much for the undermanned Pelicans to handle. Without Jones and Murphy’s defensive contributions, New Orleans had a tough time closing out on shooters, and the Warriors capitalized with several open three-pointers.
5. The Pelicans’ Remaining Roster: A Strain on Depth
Players Who Stepped Up
Despite the adversity of missing six players, the Pelicans did have a few bright spots. Bruce Brown, who has been a steady contributor all season, led the team with 18 points in the loss. Brown’s perimeter shooting and ability to drive to the basket were crucial for keeping the Pelicans in the game. Similarly, Yves Missi, the rookie center, posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, showing flashes of his potential as a future cornerstone for the team.
However, the lack of depth and star power ultimately caught up with New Orleans. The Pelicans were unable to match the offensive firepower and defensive intensity that the Warriors brought, leading to a double-digit loss. The absence of key players like Zion and McCollum left the Pelicans with too many holes to fill, and while the effort was there, they simply couldn’t execute down the stretch.
An Uphill Battle Ahead
With just a few games left in the regular season, the Pelicans now face the challenge of trying to salvage their playoff hopes while dealing with these key injuries. Zion’s return is uncertain, and Ingram and McCollum may need additional time to recover. If the Pelicans want to make a push for the postseason, they’ll need their key players back in action, along with continued contributions from role players like Brown and Missi.
6. Looking Toward the Future
A Road to Recovery
The Pelicans are a team with a bright future, but their success hinges on the health of their star players. Zion Williamson, in particular, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, and the Pelicans’ championship hopes depend on his ability to stay on the court. The team has shown that they can compete at a high level when fully healthy, but with six players sidelined, their depth has been severely tested.
As the season progresses, the Pelicans will need to focus on getting their injured players healthy for a final push. This game against the Warriors was a reminder of just how critical Zion, McCollum, and Ingram are to their success. If the Pelicans can get their stars back in time for a potential playoff run, they could still be a dangerous team to face in the postseason.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Pelicans’ injury report ahead of their game against the Golden State Warriors highlighted just how much the team has been struggling with key injuries this season. With six important players sidelined, including Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans were unable to keep up with the Warriors’ firepower. Despite valiant efforts from role players like Bruce Brown and Yves Missi, the Pelicans simply didn’t have enough depth to secure the victory. As the season winds down, New Orleans’ focus will shift to getting their injured stars back on the court and preparing for the challenges ahead.
