Pelicans big man Larry Nance Jr. won’t be available for Wednesday’s play-in game against the Thunder due to left ankle soreness, the team announced (via Twitter).
Coach Willie Green told reporters prior to the game that Nance was going to test his ankle in warmups to see how it responded, tweets Andrew Lopez of ESPN.
Nance was added to the injury report on Tuesday, with New Orleans listing him as questionable. He was able to play 17 minutes in Sunday’s regular season finale.
Nance was one of the Pelicans’ most reliable bench players this season, averaging 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in 65 games. His absence could lead to more minutes for fourth-year center Jaxson Hayes.
If New Orleans wins tonight, Nance will have two more days to recover before the next play-in contest Friday at Minnesota. Another victory would put the team in a playoff series against the Nuggets that would begin Sunday night.
The Pelicans are already short-handed without Jose Alvarado, who is out with a right tibial stress reaction, and Zion Williamson, who hasn’t played since early January due to a strained right hamstring.
Earlier on Wednesday, Nance responded to rumors that the organization is upset with Williamson over his prolonged absence.
“No one in our locker room is looking at Z any type of way,” Nance tweeted. “We’re with him every step of his rehab, and support his process, physically AND mentally! Don’t listen to people saying things just to get views!!”
Zion should be forced by the NBA to give back every penny to the Pelicans. Hes just a big athletic baby. Got his money and doesn’t want to play in his team’s most important game of the year meanwhile hes 100% healthy. Thats pathetic
Is this a surprise?
The Pelicans medical staff is probably one of the worst medical staff in the NBA
Oh yes. Blame the medical staff. Maybe try a piece of fruit ya big baby. Zion is paid, sit or play. Of course, his choice is easy.
Those weirdo draft nerds that said this would happen seem pretty smart now.
Me too. Good move Nance. I’m out like these players today. My back hurts today