Is Zion Williamson playing tonight against the Orlando Magic? Latest injury update from the New Orleans Pelicans (Oct. 17)

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for an NBA preseason rematch against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday (Oct. 17). The two teams previously played each other last Tuesday, with Orlando coming away with a 122-105 win.

Tuesday’s game will mark the fourth and final preseason game for the Pelicans (0-3), who have gone winless through three contests. Meanwhile, the Magic (2-0) will be playing their third of four preseason games after winning their first two.

As for Williamson’s availability, he appears ready to play, as he's not listed on the Pelicans’ injury report. The star forward also participated in New Orleans’ first three preseason games. However, given his extensive injury history, the Pelicans could opt to rest him closer to game time.

Outside of Williamson, the Pelicans’ injury report is quite lengthy entering Tuesday. Guard Jose Alvarado (ankle), forward Herbert Jones (neck), as well as big men Larry Nance Jr. (ankle) and Cody Zeller (back) are listed as questionable. Meanwhile, forwards Trey Murphy III (knee) and Naji Marshall (knee) are listed as out.

As for the Magic, guards Gary Harris (rest), Kevon Harris (knee) and Caleb Houstan (ankle) are listed as questionable.

Tuesday’s matchup between the Pelicans and the Magic will take place at the Amway Center in Orlando and will tip off at 7 p.m. EST.

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Gilbert Arenas says Zion Williamson could be a dark horse MVP candidate this season

New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson

After missing most of last season due to a hamstring injury, Zion Williamson has been ramping up in preseason.

So far, the star forward has shown off his trademark explosiveness as well as impressive playmaking in limited action. Naturally, his return has led to optimism from fans and analysts surrounding the Pelicans entering this season.

That includes former three-time All-Star point guard Gilbert Arenas, who reckons Williamson could be a dark horse MVP candidate:

“MVP. He's going to be in the MVP race. … If they're winning,” Arenas said during a recent episode of “Gil's Arena.”

(6:34 mark below)

Most would probably agree with Arenas that Williamson has the talent to become a perennial MVP candidate when healthy. However, the star forward has appeared in just 114 games since being drafted No. 1 in the 2019 NBA draft. So, he will have to prove that he can stay on the court consistently to warrant the immense expectations that many have for him.

Through three preseason games, Williamson is averaging 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game on 50.0% shooting in just 20.7 minutes per game.

Last season, the star forward averaged 26.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 4.6 apg, 1.1 spg and 0.6 bpg on 60.8% shooting in 33.0 mpg over 29 games.