Zion sits but NO survives

Foot injury KOs All-Star forward

CJ McCollum stepped into the void for the New Orleans Pelicans. With AllStar forward Zion Williamson out of action because of an injured left foot, McCollum poured in 30 points to lead New Orleans to a 113-102 victory against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies.

Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr. each contributed 19 points for the Pelicans, who improved to 8- 6 and cut first- place Memphis’ lead in the division to a half game.

Ja Morant was the best Memphis had to offer. He put in 36 points and added 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Pelicans coach Willie Green said Williamson was “day-to-day.”

Green said Williamson, who is averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists, hurt his foot Saturday early in the fourth quarter of a 119106 victory against Houston.

Other game

Mavericks 103, Clippers 101: Dallas held on in the final minute to beat visiting Los Angeles. Luke Doncic led the Mavericks with 35 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists.

Notes

Reigning back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has entered the league’s health and safety protocols and has been ruled out of Denver’s game against New York on Wednesday. Jokic is the 10th player to enter the protocols this season. Players are not required to undergo regular testing this season, but there are certain situations where they must be checked for COVID-19.