New Orleans Pelicans fans received a pleasant surprise on Tuesday. The team’s head coach Alvin Gentry made an announcement. Zion Williamson will play in back-to-backs.

Zion Williamson: Updates

A decision that’s certain to benefit both the New Orleans Pelicans and fans around the NBA has emerged. There’s going to be a little more action for Zion Williamson than many expected.

Williamson will assuredly step foot on the court tomorrow to take on fellow phenom Luka Doncic and the Mavs. It will be their first game against each other. However, the question is how many minutes the Pels are comfortable letting him play on back-to-backs.

Williamson has missed the first 44 games of the season after tearing his meniscus in the preseason. Some will remain sceptical about his long-term health until he plays a full season. However, Zion Williamson looks up to the physical test through his first 433 minutes of NBA action. He is going to continue to see a healthy dose of action as the Pelicans aim for a playoff run.

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Zion Williamson is expected to play both ends of the upcoming back-to-back. This includes Tuesday vs. the Timberwolves and Wednesday vs. the Mavericks. Originally, the plan was for Zion to sit out one end of said back-to-backs. Now, that doesn’t appear to be the case.

Williamson and the Pelicans’ run

Williamson has appeared in 15 games with the New Orleans Pelicans so far. He has looked pretty healthy. At most times almost better than anticipated.

Playing 28.9 minutes per game, Zion averages 24.1 points, 6.8 rebounds. He shoots 59.3% from the floor while continuing to produce jaw-dropping moments on the floor.

The New Orleans Pelicans have to be excited that Zion Williamson. He is probably the biggest difference-maker on their team at the moment. The Rookie of the year candidate is going to be ready to roll for the full slate of remaining games.

Williamson is in a race of his own. He is currently in an active chase for the Rookie of the Year award. He seems likely to at least wind up as a member of All-Rookie First Team.

The 10th-place Pels are 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for that honor. Portland Trail Blazers are currently sitting percentage points above New Orleans in the standings. The Pels will welcome any court time Williamson can give them. The team in a race for the eighth and final playoff spot.

That portion of the ledger begins Tuesday. Williamson and the Pels host the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. in Smoothie King Center.