Orange and Blue Preview: Knicks at Pelicans (4/14/21)
By James Ryder
Knicks at Pelicans: Injury and Roster Updates
On the Knicks side of things, the team should be fully healthy against New Orleans with the exception of Mitchell Robinson.
Additionally, John Henson, who recently signed a 10-day contract with New York, has yet to suit up for the team. This game could be his Knicks debut. Norvel Pelle may also get some more run against the Pelicans, who have a lot of size on the roster.
Speaking of new additions and size, Isaiah Thomas recently returned to the NBA after being picked up by NO. The Pelicans guards have had a rough go of it lately with injuries, prompting the IT signing. Lonzo Ball has been banged up, and the team is now without Nickeil Alexander-Walker for at least two weeks with a moderate left ankle sprain.
Thomas, a former league MVP candidate, will be facing off against the Knicks bench unit lead by former league MVP Derrick Rose.
As mentioned, Ball isn’t a guarantee for tonight’s game as of this writing. He hasn’t played since April 7th. He was last ruled out on Sunday for the Pelicans’ Monday night game versus the Sacramento Kings, so perhaps the last couple of days have allowed him to progress towards full health. If Lonzo Bal doesn’t play, the Pelicans will likely start Wes Iwundu or Naji Marshall in his place.
Lastly, Pelicans wing Josh Hart is out for the next several weeks. He underwent surgery last week for a torn UCL in his right thumb. Anyone that was looking forward to Hart and RJ Barrett battling for the title of best young rebounding guard in the league will have to wait until next season. Sorry, Brad Dressler.