The New Orleans Pelicans have found their groove, winning four of their last five games, significantly driven by Zion Williamson's impressive performance. In a recent game against the Phoenix Suns, Williamson notched his first career triple-double with 27 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, marking a critical moment for both him and the team as they strive for playoff contention.

Supporting Williamson, CJ McCollum contributed 19 points, further solidifying the Pelicans' offense. In stark contrast, the Suns are struggling, facing a downward spiral with seven losses in their last eight games despite standout performances from Devin Booker (36 points) and Kevin Durant (28 points). The Suns, now battling for a play-in spot, find themselves in a precarious position as they succumb to a team with one of the worst records in the league.

As the NBA enters the stretch run, managing your fantasy basketball team becomes more complex, particularly during the "silly season" when teams prioritize developing younger players. Notable high-risk players for shutdowns include Joel Embiid, whose ongoing knee issues could lead to absent games. LaMelo Ball is another candidate, as the Charlotte Hornets are unlikely to risk their future by playing him through a lost season. With injuries to key players like Brandon Miller, those managing Ball should consider trades.

Paul George's ongoing struggles with the Philadelphia 76ers compound the risk of him being sidelined. Similarly, Zion Williamson's frequent injuries make him a prime shutdown candidate with the Pelicans spiraling down the standings. The Jazz also face shutdown dilemmas, with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler potentially limited as they prioritize their rebuilding efforts. As playoff races heat up, fantasy managers should remain vigilant about player workloads and consider stashing younger talents who may emerge in expanded roles.

CJ McCollum showcased his prowess against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 43 points to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a nail-biting 140-133 victory. McCollum's impressive shooting, hitting 64% overall and 58.3% from three, solidified his reputation as a 'Kings Killer,' a title he embraces given the Kings' past decision not to draft him. Despite his missed shot at the end of regulation, he rose to the occasion in overtime, ultimately securing the win for his team.

The Kings had their moments, notably finishing with 38 assists, but were unable to clamp down defensively in critical moments. Malik Monk's late-game heroics, including crucial free throws, temporarily kept hope alive for Sacramento. However, DeMar DeRozan's struggles in crunch time and a reliance on isolation plays hindered the Kings' chances. They played well overall, but it wasn't enough against McCollum's brilliance. Luckily for Sacramento, they won't face him again this season.

The New Orleans Pelicans are firmly investing in Zion Williamson despite his injury struggles. Following the trade of Brandon Ingram to Toronto, Pelicans' basketball operations chief David Griffin emphasized the team's confidence in Williamson's potential, citing his growth both on and off the court. Williamson has averaged 23.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 17 games this season, although he has missed 36 games due to a hamstring injury.

Griffin acknowledges Williamson's maturity and leadership development, stating that he is becoming more vocal and embracing his role. The Pelicans have faced a barrage of injuries this season, necessitating the need for a more consistently available roster. The team aims to maximize Williamson’s talent while navigating the challenges of injuries to key players like Ingram and Herb Jones.

The Oklahoma City Thunder face off against the New Orleans Pelicans in a critical matchup, bolstered by the return of star rookie Chet Holmgren, who’s back on the court following a lengthy injury layoff. The Thunder, currently on a two-game home stand, will be without key contributors Isaiah Joe, Ousmane Dieng, Cason Wallace, and Ajay Mitchell, which alters their rotation significantly. As they gear up for this game, the Thunder are heavy favorites, with a betting line moving from 14.5 to 17 points following the Pelicans' struggles and injuries, notably CJ McCollum.

This matchup marks an important opportunity for the Thunder to solidify their playoff position, particularly against a lower-ranked Pelicans team that has seen limited action from Zion Williamson in this arena. Fans are eager to witness Williamson’s performance as it will be only his third game in Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, the Thunder are also focused on their upcoming schedule, facing the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves later this week, all leading up to the All-Star Weekend.