NEW ORLEANS / DENVER / WACO, Texas — Three separate developments around the league on Tuesday delivered mixed injury news for the Pelicans and Nuggets while creating an unusual NCAA storyline for the Knicks.
Williamson logs consecutive games for first time in 14 months
The New Orleans Pelicans had their five-game win streak snapped in Cleveland, but the night still marked progress for Zion Williamson. The forward played on back-to-back nights for the first time since October 2024, following 25 minutes Monday in Dallas with 21 minutes against the Cavaliers.
Head coach James Borrego said before tip-off that Williamson’s conditioning, attitude and overall health are trending upward. The 23-year-old, who recently sat out six games with an adductor strain, scored 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting. New Orleans was outscored by 17 during his minutes as the club struggled defensively.
MRI brings encouraging news for Denver’s Cameron Johnson
Cameron Johnson left Denver’s road game Tuesday after landing awkwardly while chasing a defensive rebound in the fourth quarter. An MRI later revealed a right knee bone bruise with no structural damage, according to HoopsHype. Though the forward is expected to miss time, the result is considered the best outcome after initial fears of a more serious injury.
Further evaluation is expected by Thursday, and a Christmas Day appearance versus Minnesota is viewed as unlikely. Johnson, acquired from Brooklyn in the offseason deal that sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Nets, has averaged 14.6 points on 50.3 percent shooting—including 52.3 percent from three—over his last 17 contests. Denver is already without Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon, which has pushed Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones into larger roles. Extra minutes could also fall to Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. if Johnson remains sidelined.
Knicks draft pick James Nnaji joins Baylor, eligible immediately
James Nnaji, selected 31st overall in the 2023 NBA Draft and whose rights belong to the New York Knicks, has enrolled at Baylor University and can suit up right away, his representatives told DraftExpress. The 21-year-old center has not yet signed an NBA contract and spent the past season on loan stints with Girona and Merkezefendi Basket after time with FC Barcelona.
The NCAA has granted Nnaji four full years of eligibility, an unprecedented decision for a player already drafted by an NBA team. Baylor’s frontcourt has been thinned by injuries, giving the 6-foot-11 rim protector a path to immediate minutes. New York retains his rights and can now monitor his development without sending scouts overseas.
Source: Hoops Wire
