The Pelicans Face A Southwest Division Clash With The San Antonio Spurs

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will be a game-time decision when New Orleans travels to face the San Antonio Spurs. Friday's matchup is the last of a four-game road trip that saw the Pelicans drop their first two games before getting a win against the Rockets on Wednesday. Williamson missed the game with a foot injury and is questionable for Friday night's game. 

With or without Williamson, this is a game the Pels should look to dominate. New Orleans has beaten the Spurs six straight times, with an average margin of victory being 22 points. 

If Williamson can't play, expect a heavy dose of Jonas Valanciunas in the paint. Valanciunas is averaging 19.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in the two matchups against the Spurs this season. San Antonio is No. 21 in the league in opponent paint paints allowed (53.0).

Despite the Spurs' 10-36 record on the season, rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama has not disappointed. The rookie leads the team in points (20.6), rebounds (10.1), blocks (3.2), and steals (1.1). Wemby is becoming must-see TV, with the rookie shattering records on a nightly basis. In his first matchup against the Pels this season, Wembanyama scored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the Pelicans blowout victory. 

Brandon Ingram seems to be breaking out of his slump. After going ten of eleven games scoring under 20 points, the Pelicans forward has scored at least 24 points in his last three contests. 

That bodes well for New Orleans if Zion misses any significant time dealing with his foot injury. Ditto for Trey Murphy III, who is shooting his way out of his slump too. Murphy III has scored in double-figures in three of his last four games.

There should be plenty of opportunities for New Orleans against a porous Spurs defense. San Antonio ranks No. 26 in opponent points per game (121.1) and No. 24 in opponent field goal percentage (48.9%). The Spurs have surrendered at least 108 points to its opponents in the last 11 games. 

Each team is dealing with injuries to key players ahead of Friday's game. San Antonio will be without its third (Keldon Johnson) and fourth (Zach Collins) leading scorer on Friday.

Meanwhile, along with Williamson, Herb Jones, and Larry Nance, Jr. are questionable for the matchup. Jones missed Wednesday's game with Zion, dealing with an adductor injury. Nance, Jr. was added to the injury list with ankle soreness. 

If those players cannot go, then sharpshooting forward Matt Ryan may finally see the court in his first action since Nov. 18, following surgery he had on his right elbow. Ryan is averaging 47.1% from beyond the arc this season.

After losing three straight games, the Pelicans have an opportunity to start a winning streak with a victory on Friday. They return home to face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night before again heading on the road before the All-Star break.