The New Orleans Pelicans will face the New York Knicks on October 28 and at the time of writing, Zion Williamson is expected to participate in the game. The star forward has had an opening game for New Orleans, scoring 23.0 points and grabbing 7.0 rebounds.
Williamson has reportedly spent the summer in the gym and has been working on his body and fitness in a bid to finally shed the injury bug that has haunted him throughout the early years of his career. Williamson’s presence takes the Pelicans to a new level. Should he remain healthy, he could be a difference-maker in the franchise’s bid to enjoy a deep postseason push.
Against the Knicks, Williamson will face a physical team with two bruising frontcourt players, Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle. As such, Williamson will need to play at a high level and lean into his skill rather than just his sheer physicality.
Still, at such an early juncture in the season, Williamson will likely try and limit his above-the-rim play so as not to overload his knees with too much pressure.
The Knicks have gone 1-1 in their opening two games. Still, Tom Thibodeau has his roster playing a stringent brand of defense. Williamson will likely be tasked with spearheading New Orleans’ offense and blowing open his opponent’s coverages.
