NBA Power Rankings week 12: injury fallout, OKC Thunder highs and lows

New Orleans Pelicans:

Offense: (107.8) 20th
Defense: (112.1)  26th
Net: (minus -4.3) 24th

Games Week 12 (2-2): Won vs. Bulls: 123-108, Knicks: 123-111, Lost vs. Jazz: 126-128, Celtics: 105-140
Games Week 13 (3 games): Mon at Pistons | Thurs vs. Jazz | Sat vs. Clippers

Just as the Pelicans turned a corner they get hit by the injury bug with each of JJ Redick (hamstring), Jrue Holiday (elbow), and Derrick Favors (hamstring) missing Saturday and Holiday missing his fourth consecutive game.

Losing any of their vets for a significant period isn’t ideal, particularly as the team had turned a corner with seven wins in their last ten games.

As for Williamson he’s nearing a return and has been witnessed pregame working out with the staff and getting up dunks so his return appears imminent. The front office is saying they’ll take a very cautious approach once he does return however bringing him in off the bench and with a significant minute restriction.