The struggling and cash-strapped New Orleans Pelicans will face an incredibly strong Oklahoma City Thunder team.

The Pelicans are currently on a five-game losing streak with an overall record of over 3-8, which is good for the 14th seed in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder are fresh off an impressive win against the LA Clippers and are the second seed with an overall record of 9-2.

Unfortunately for the New Orleans Pelicans, they will have to face the Thunder without their best player. New Orleans has officially declared Zion Williamson out with a left hamstring strain.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Williamson is expected to be out four to six weeks, which is devastating for the Pelicans.

Through six games this season, Zion is averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 5% shooting from the field. The numbers are actually a decrease from his career average, despite Zion being in better form this season.

When the season started, it felt like there was an abundance of hope for the New Orleans Pelicans. The team had in-form Zion, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and new signing Dejounte Murray. Unfortunately, the team was already plagued with injuries in the first week of the season and now things are just snowballing.

The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at 4:30 PM EST.

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