The New Orleans Pelicans woke up on game day to a curveball. Star forward Zion Williamson was added to the injury report as questionable with an illness ahead of tonight’s matchup with the Detroit Pistons. It’s a late change, flagged during the morning shootaround on January 21, 2026, and it forces New Orleans to prepare for two plans: one with Zion, one without him.

On its own, an illness tag is common in a long NBA season. But the timing matters. Coaches build a game plan the night before and polish it at shootaround. A last-minute status change can ripple through everything—from who starts, to who handles the ball on key plays, to how the Pelicans match up on the glass and at the rim.

Latest Pelicans injury update: Zion and Herb on the sheet

Here’s the core of what changed today for New Orleans:

• Status: Zion Williamson questionable
• Reason: Illness
• Opponent: Detroit Pistons
• Timing: Added during morning shootaround
• Context: Herb Jones is also on the report (ankle)

Zion’s availability often sets the tone for the Pelicans’ identity. With him, they lean into power, paint touches, and inside-out play. Without him, the team must blend ball movement, speed, and defense to create edges in other areas.

“If Zion’s a game-time call, every rotation minute is up for grabs.”

Why a late illness tag changes the game plan

A late status change is tricky because it squeezes preparation time. The Pelicans now need two scripts. The first features Zion’s downhill force, drawing help and creating easy looks for shooters and cutters. The second leans on depth, ball screens, and team rebounding.

Coaches will watch how Zion feels pregame—energy, hydration, and whether he can sustain bursts. If he plays, expect careful management of stints. If he sits, expect a wider bench, faster line changes, and more touches spread across the roster.

Herb Jones watch: defense on alert

Herb Jones showing up on the report with an ankle issue adds another layer. Herb is a defensive anchor on the wing. He guards the other team’s best player, keeps the ball in front, and helps at the rim. If he is limited or out, New Orleans loses a stopper and a smart cutter on offense.

In short: Zion’s status affects the offense and paint. Herb’s ankle affects the defense and spacing. Together, those two updates ask New Orleans to be sharp, simple, and connected in every lineup.

“No Zion? No Herb? Then the Pelicans’ identity has to be defense-first and mistake-free.”

Who steps up if Zion can’t go?

If Zion is ruled out or limited, the Pelicans will need fresh answers at forward and in the paint. Reports have mentioned names who could see more time or responsibility if needed, including Saddiq Bey, Micah Peavy, and Karlo Matkovic. Each offers something different.

• Saddiq Bey: A forward with size who can space the floor and help on the boards. He can keep the lane open for drives and cuts.
• Micah Peavy: A strong, versatile wing profile who can bring energy, defend multiple spots, and do the little things that win possessions.
• Karlo Matkovic: A big who can add size at the rim, screen hard, and rebound. He helps protect the paint and finish inside.

None of these options replicate Zion’s rare blend of power and burst. But together, they can cover minutes, keep the ball moving, and force the Pistons to guard different actions.

Matchup focus: Pelicans’ paint touches vs Pistons’ counters

With Zion, the Pelicans’ plan is simple: touch the paint early, collapse the defense, and punish with put-backs and kick-outs. Without him, the plan shifts to quick decisions and team rebounding. That means guards driving and pitching, wings screening and cutting, and bigs sealing early to create angles.

Against Detroit, controlling the glass and avoiding live-ball turnovers will be key either way. Extra attention will go to transition defense, second-chance points, and keeping fouls in check if the frontcourt rotation stretches.

“Tonight is about details: box outs, one-more passes, and who wins the hustle plays.”

The morning twist: timing matters

Being added as questionable at shootaround is never ideal. It means teammates found out late, and coaches must redraw parts of the plan. The good news: the Pelicans have recent reps with flexible lineups. The staff can stagger minutes, go smaller for speed, or go bigger for rim protection.

For Zion, the focus will be simple: how he feels, his energy level, and how his body responds to warmups. If he gives the green light, the Pelicans will try to harness his force in short, sharp bursts. If not, expect a committee approach built on spacing and defense.

What to watch before tip-off

• Pregame availability: Look for an update after warmups to confirm Zion’s status.
• Herb’s ankle check: If he plays, watch his lateral movement and closeouts.
• Rotation choices: Which forwards get the early nod? Do Bey, Peavy, or Matkovic see expanded roles?
• First five minutes: Do the Pelicans get paint touches, or do they lean on jumpers?
• Rebounding battle: If Zion sits, can New Orleans still win the glass?

Bottom line

Zion Williamson’s late questionable tag with an illness turns a normal game day into a moving puzzle for the Pelicans. Add Herb Jones’ ankle watch, and New Orleans must be ready to adapt on the fly. This is where habits matter: simple offense, strong defense, and trust in the next man up. If Zion plays, his presence can tilt the floor. If he doesn’t, the Pelicans can still win by owning the details.

Either way, the story tonight will be about response. Who steps in, who steps up, and how quickly the Pelicans turn a morning surprise into a clear, winning plan.