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Zion Williamson, of the New Orleans Pelicans, speaks during a media availability as part of the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)
On Tuesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans will play the Los Angeles Lakers in California.
The Pelicans are coming off a 137-117 loss to the LA Clippers (also in Los Angeles).
They were without Zion Williamson (who left Friday’s game against the Utah Jazz with an injury).
Zion Williamson Makes Personal Announcement
GettyMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 01: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans speaks to the media during a New Orleans Pelicans NBAxNBL media opportunity at CourtSide on October 01, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)
Before the Pelicans play the Lakers, Williamson did an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews.
In the interview, he revealed that he will be in action on Tuesday (h/t Pelicans Film Room).
Williamson: “I expect to be back tomorrow against the Lakers.”
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 11: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts as time runs out in his team’s loss to the Miami Heat at Smoothie King Center on February 11, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)
The Duke legend is currently averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 58.5% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range in 45 games.
He is in his seventh year as a pro (after being selected with the first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft).
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 04: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans controls the ball in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 04, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Pelicans have had a tough season where they are the 13th seed in the Western Conference with a 19-43 record in 62 games.
They have won six out of their last ten games (and are 8-22 on the road).
Following the Lakers, the Pelicans will play their next game on Thursday night when they visit Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings.A
OptaSTATS wrote on February 7: “Zion Williamson has now scored 25+ points on 70.0% shooting in 4 straight road games at Minnesota. He’s the first player to have 4 straight road games with 25+ points on 70.0% FG% against any opponent since Wilt Chamberlain (November 25, 1966-March 19, 1967) at the Bullets.”
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 09: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
On the other side of the showdown, the Lakers come into play as the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 36-24 record in 60 games.
They have gone 5-5 over their last ten games (and are in the middle of a two-game winning streak).
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a 3-point basket to score his 50,002 NBA regular season and playoff career points during the first half against Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on March 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Following the Pelicans, the Lakers will play their next game on Thursday night when they host the Denver Nuggets.
At home, they are 17-12 in 29 games.