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Pelicans clear F Zion Williamson for on-court activities

Thu Nov 13 2:50pm ET
Field Level Media

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson was cleared Thursday for contact activity in practice after missing the past five games with a hamstring injury.

Williamson, 25, was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain on Nov. 4. He averaged 22.8 points with 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists while playing in five of the first six games this season.

The team said in a statement that a return to game action "will be updated appropriately."

Jordan Poole, who has missed the past four games with a knee injury, is also progressing, according to head coach Willie Green. Poole has not yet been cleared for practice.


The team is expected to be without Dejounte Murray at least until January after Achilles surgery earlier this year.

Williamson, who has struggled with injuries since he was drafted No. 1 overall by New Orleans in 2019, has averaged 24.6 points through 219 career starts, with 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

Player Notes
Paolo Banchero Thu Nov 13 1:20pm

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) is hopeful that he avoided major injury on Wednesday night against the Knicks, but he will undergo an MRI to determine the severity and extent of the injury. Banchero sustained the injury early in the second quarter after trying to accelerate up the floor after snagging a defensive rebound. Banchero said the pain was nowhere near as severe as what he dealt with when he tore his oblique last season. Banchero posted averages of 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while playing 34.7 minutes per game over his first 12 games of the season. If he does miss time, Jonathan Isaac and Tristan da Silva could help pick up the extra work, while Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner would have to carry the offense. The Magic's next game is Friday against the Nets, so keep an eye out for a status update on Banchero soon.

Lonzo Ball Thu Nov 13 1:10pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball (knee) will not play in the second game of the team's back-to-back on Thursday night due to left knee injury management. Ball played 20 minutes on Wednesday in Miami and had 15 points and eight assists while helping to fill in for Darius Garland (toe) and Donovan Mitchell (rest). Mitchell will be back on Thursday, but Garland will join Ball and Jaylon Tyson (concussion) on the sidelines, leaving Craig Porter Jr. plenty of room to build on his monster performance on Wednesday. Ball's absence will also likely keep rookie Tyrese Proctor in the rotation as well.

Jaylon Tyson Thu Nov 13 1:10pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Jaylon Tyson (concussion) will not be ready to return for Thursday night's matchup with the Raptors. Tyson averaged 25.9 minutes per game in his first 11 games this season, including seven starts. He chipped in 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His next chance to return will be Saturday against Memphis. While he's out on Thursday, Craig Porter Jr., Dean Wade, and De'Andre Hunter should get more opportunities against Toronto.

Darius Garland Thu Nov 13 1:00pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) will miss the second game of the team's back-to-back on Thursday, as expected. He's dealing with what the team is calling a contusion, which indicates he's not facing an extended absence. However, he will miss a second straight game after sitting out Wednesday's win as well. Since Lonzo Ball (knee) and Jalen Tyson (concussion) are out as well, Donovan Mitchell, Craig Porter Jr., and Tyson Proctor should all get more work. Porter had an impressive performance on Wednesday with 19 points, nine assists, four rebounds, four blocks, and three steals in 32 minutes, while leading the Cavs to a win without Garland, Mitchell, and Evan Mobley. With Mitchell and Mobley back, Porter won't have quite as much workload, but he still should be able to make an impact for as long as Garland is out.

Ochai Agbaji Thu Nov 13 12:50pm

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Ochai Agbaji (back) was ruled out after he was originally listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It will be his third absence in his team's last four games, and he played just 15 minutes in a spot start during his one active game during that stretch. For the most part, Toronto has been injury-free this season, which has kept Agbaji in a limited role off the bench. He is playing just 13.9 minutes per game and chipping in 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. With Agbaji out, Ja'Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick will get more time in the second unit, although neither has made a big fantasy impact this season.

Ochai Agbaji Thu Nov 13 6:20am

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Ochai Agbaji (back) is considered questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Agbaji has played only once in the last three games and could sit out a second consecutive contest due to lower back spasms. Toronto has managed to stay healthy this season, limiting Agbaji's workload to 13.9 minutes per game. He has averaged only 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds. Due to Agbaji's health issues, Ja'Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick can play a slightly more significant role off the bench. However, neither player has made a substantial fantasy impact in the 2025-26 season.

Kevin Love Thu Nov 13 6:20am

Utah Jazz forward/center Kevin Love (rest) has come off the injury report for Thursday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks. Utah completed a back-to-back on Tuesday night with a blowout win against the Indiana Pacers, and Love was rested for the game. Before his scheduled rest day, Love featured in five consecutive games, averaging 4.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 13.0 minutes. Due to his limited role, Love hasn't been a factor in fantasy basketball, and that's unlikely to change on Thursday night.

Sandro Mamukelashvili Thu Nov 13 6:10am

Toronto Raptors forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili (back) remains on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's encounter with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Due to a back issue, he was also listed as questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Toronto ruled him out for the contest ahead of tip-off, resulting in Mamukelashvili's first absence this season. The 26-year-old has been fairly productive as a reserve in Canada, averaging 9.0 points and 3.4 rebounds in 17.8 minutes. On Thursday, Mamukelashvili could be joined on the sidelines by Collin Murray-Boyles(illness), meaning starting center Jakob Poeltl might be in for a very busy night. Jonathan Mogbo would then likely take on the backup minutes at center.

Collin Murray-Boyles Thu Nov 13 6:00am

Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The rookie is dealing with an illness and may be sidelined after playing in nine consecutive games. Jakob Poeltl has been in and out of the Raptors lineup, meaning Murray-Boyles has seen plenty of time on the court early in his NBA career. The 20-year-old has averaged 8.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 20.8 minutes. With Sandro Mamukelashvili (neck) also questionable for Thursday's matchup, the Raptors frontcourt could be short-handed. In this case, Jonathan Mogbo might get a much larger workload than he's used to.

LeBron James Thu Nov 13 5:50am

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica)practiced with the team's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, on Wednesday. "He was able to participate in the practice," Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. "Got up and down a little bit with just some, like, warmup transition drills and progressed to five-on-five in the half court, and got, I think about 12 to 15 possessions of live five-on-five contact." James' ability to do some five-on-five work marks a big step toward his return to game action. According to Redick, James "looked good" during the practice. The four-time MVP has missed the first few weeks of the season due to sciatica on his right side and is expected to sit out at least two more games.

Zion Williamson Thu Nov 13 5:50am

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) has been cleared for contact, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports. The former No. 1 pick went through some one-on-one drills during Wednesday's shootaround. Williamson has missed five games due to a left hamstring strain. While he looks to be nearing his return, the team hasn't provided an official timeline for Williamson. Saddiq Bey has stepped into the first unit as Williamson's replacement, delivering solid performances. He has averaged 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over the past five games.

Nikola Jokic Thu Nov 13 1:30am

Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a double-double, scoring 55 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a 130-116 win over the Clippers on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Stephon Castle Thu Nov 13 1:30am

San Antonio's G Stephon Castle recorded a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in a 120-125 loss to the Warriors on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Victor Wembanyama Thu Nov 13 1:30am

San Antonio's C Victor Wembanyama recorded a triple-double, finishing with 31 points, 10 assists and 15 rebounds in a 120-125 loss to the Warriors on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Stephen Curry Thu Nov 13 1:30am

Golden State Warriors' G Stephen Curry scored 46 points on 13-of-25 shooting in a 125-120 win over San Antonio on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Christian Braun Wed Nov 12 11:20pm

Denver Nuggets shooting guard Christian Braun (ankle) left the team's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, and will not return. The fourth-year guard appeared in just 16 minutes of action before leaving with what the team is labeling a left ankle injury. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown are will likely see increased usage is Braun's injury lingers. The 24-year-old was averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game heading into Wednesday's matchup. Braun should be considered questionable when the Nuggets travel to Minnesota to play the Timberwolves on Saturday.

Jalen Brunson Wed Nov 12 11:10pm

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) was seen leaving Madison Square Garden in a walking boot Wednesday night. The team is yet to release an official statement, but head coach Mike Brown told reporters Brunson "rolled his right ankle". The team is set to face the Miami Heat at home on Friday. Brunson leads the team with 27.7 points and 6.6 assists per game. If Brunson misses time, Mikal Bridges could be called upon to shoulder the playmaking duties for the team. Bridges currently ranks second on the team with 5.2 assists per game.

Jonathan Kuminga Wed Nov 12 8:50pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) won't return to Wednesday's game against the Spurs. The 2021 No. 7 overall pick was listed as questionable heading into this one. While he ended up suiting up, he wasn't in the starting lineup. Kuminga would be held scoreless before exiting after only 12 minutes of work. The 23-year-old hasn't missed a game all season, averaging 14.9 points. He's also logged career-highs in rebounds (6.8) and assists (3.1). With that said, it's unknown if Kuminga will be available for Friday's rematch between the Spurs and Warriors, but if he's not out there, Will Richard and Buddy Hield may see more work.

Paolo Banchero Wed Nov 12 8:30pm

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) won't return to Wednesday's meeting with the New York Knicks. The 23-year-old logged only 12 minutes before exiting with a groin strain, finishing with four points, three rebounds, one steal, and one block. Orlando won't play again until Friday against the visiting Brooklyn Nets. Hopefully, Banchero will be out there. Of course, fantasy managers will be anxiously awaiting an update. If he can't suit up versus the Nets, Franz Wagner will handle even more of the scoring load, with Desmond Bane, Anthony Black, and Jalen Suggs in line to produce above-average fantasy production.

Bilal Coulibaly Wed Nov 12 7:20pm

Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly (calf) is still without a timetable for his return, according to head coach Brian Keefe. Keefe noted that the third-year man was doing limited work during the team's shootaround on Wednesday. Coulibaly has been limited to just four games so far this season, all starts, due to injury. The Frenchman is averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, one block, and one steal in his limited action. The Wizards, who haven't won a game since October 24th, continue to tinker with the starting lineup. Kyshawn George and Khris Middleton picked up starts at the forward positions for Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets.


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