On Tuesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans will be in Los Angeles to play the Lakers.
The Pelicans most recently lost to the LA Clippers (without Zion Williamson) by a score of 137-117 (on Sunday).
Williamson is 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.
New Orleans Pelicans Announce Zion Williamson Update
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 02: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Smoothie King Center on January 02, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
UPDATE: Zion Williamson is available.
Via The New Orleans Pelicans: “Zion Williamson (right ankle sprain) is AVAILABLE for tonight’s game vs. the Lakers”
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans walks off the court after the game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on December 31, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bobby Goddin/Getty Images)
For Tuesday’s game, Williamson is listed as questionable.
Right before tip off, it’s been announced that he will be a game-time decision.
NBA reporter Mark Medina wrote: “Pelicans coach James Borrego said Zion Williamson will go through pre-game warmup before training staff determines his availability for tonight’s game vs the Lakers”
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 18: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives the ball up the court against the Houston Rockets at Smoothie King Center on December 18, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Williamson has done an excellent job of staying healthy during the 2025-26 NBA season.
Through his first six years as a pro, he had trouble staying on the court.
Legion Hoops wrote (last month): “Zion Williamson can trigger a $42.2M contract guarantee for 2026-27 by playing in 61 games and meeting various weight conditions this season, per @KeithSmithNBA.”
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 27: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up prior to a game against the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center on December 27, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
Despite Williamson’s surprisingly healthy season, the Pelicans have been a bad team.
They are the 13th seed in the Western Conference with a 19-43 record in 62 games.
That said, the Pelicans have shown promise as of late, going 6-4 in their last ten.
After their showdown in Los Angeles, they will play their next game on Thursday against Russell Westbrook and the Kings (in Sacramento).
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 02: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket on LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 120-117 Lakers overtime win at Crypto.com Arena on November 02, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
On the other side, the Lakers are the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 36-24 record in 60 games.
They have gone 5-5 over their last ten (but won two in a row).
Following the Pelicans, the Lakers will play their next game on Thursday when they play the Denver Nuggets in Colorado.
UPDATE: New Orleans Pelicans Announce Zion Williamson Update Before Lakers Game