Zion Williamson of the Pelicans added to the injury report against the Jazz

Moving into the second half of a back-to-back series between the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicansthey announced Pelicans a major injury update for Zion Williamson starts the competition on Monday.

“New Orleans’ two starting frontcourt players were listed on Sunday’s official injury report as questionable for Monday’s game against Utah (7 p.m., GCSEN TV, VVL Radio), both with non-Covid illnesses. Yves Missy did not play Friday against the Jazz; “Zion Williamson has been added to today’s injured list,” the team announced in a statement Sunday night.

Williamson played in Friday’s game against the Jazz in his return from a hamstring injury and had 24 points and 14 rebounds in a 136-123 win at the Smoothie King Center. The performance ended with a thunderous fourth-quarter dunk by Utah center Drew Eubanks that showcased the power and athleticism of the former Duke star.

Williamson missed 27 games earlier this year with a hamstring injury before returning on Jan. 7 in a 104-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Three days later, The Pelicans suspended Williamson for one game after numerous concerns about rule violations, including a delay to a team flight. Veteran quarterback CJ McCollum said Williamson is “moving in the right direction” since his public scolding earlier this month.

Despite his current illness, Williamson was able to attend a special event Sunday night for Pelicans season ticket holders, giving an update on his hamstring and assuring fans that his goal is to stay in New Orleans.

“The torn hamstring was a big mistake, but now I feel great, playing the game I love,” Williamson said. “And I have to add this part: I love New Orleans. I don’t know where that narrative came from, this is home. I say it every year, I say the same thing every year, this is home for me.”

The Pelicans are showing signs of life in their last 10 games

The Pelicans have struggled this season, compiling an 11-32 record, including 7-26 without Williamson in the lineup. However, the team has started to find its rhythm in recent weeks, winning its last three games and six of its last 10.

New Orleans was able to shoot long distances on Friday, hitting a season-high 22 3-pointers and 44% from deep. McCollum continues to be a consistent leader on the team, averaging a steady 23 PPG since Christmas, including a 50-point explosion on Jan. 3 against the Washington Wizards.

The Pelicans will need to continue to build on that foundation and have a tough stretch ahead of them after Monday’s game, with home games against Milwaukee, Dallas, Boston and Sacramento (twice) and road contests at Memphis, Denver (twice), Sacramento and Oklahoma City before Valentine’s Day.