The Pelicans have quietly become one of the NBA's most exciting teams, and they've done so while awaiting the return of Zion Williamson.
Williamson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, was named an All-Star during the 2020-21 season, creating big expectations for his third NBA season, but he has yet to take the floor.
MORE: Gap between Grizzlies' Ja Morant and Pelicans' Zion Williamson isn't as wide as it may seem
After undergoing surgery to repair a fractured right foot during the 2021 offseason, Williamson has endured a number of setbacks that have kept him sidelined, but he's taking steps in the right direction for a potential return this season.
Will Williamson play on Tuesday, March 8 vs. the Grizzlies? Here's the latest on his status.
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Is Zion Williamson playing tonight?
According to the NBA's official injury report, Williamson is listed as out vs. the Grizzlies as he rehabs a fractured right foot.
On Wednesday, March 2, the Pelicans provided an encouraging update, saying that the latest imaging done on Williamson's foot showed improved bone healing.
Update on Zion: Recent imaging showed improved bone healing of the fifth metatarsal in Zion Williamson’s right foot.
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 2, 2022
He will gradually progress to full weight-bearing exercise and basketball activities.
He remains out indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/ltbSbtmMgt
On Saturday, March 5, ESPN's Andrew Lopez reported that Williamson has returned to New Orleans after rehabbing in Oregon but will not travel with the team.
The initial plan for Zion Williamson upon his return to New Orleans is to remain back while the team travels as he continues his rehab at the team facility, sources tell ESPN.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) March 5, 2022
But he will be around the team when they are in the city.
What channel is Pelicans vs Grizzlies on?
- TV channel (USA): TNT
- TV channel (Canada): TSN 2
- Live streams (USA): TNTdrama.com | Sling TV
Pelicans vs. Grizzlies will air on TNT in the United States. Viewers in Canada can watch Pelicans vs. Grizzlies on TSN 2.
Ian Eagle will handle play-by-play duties for Pelicans vs. Grizzlies alongside analyst Jim Jackson and Jared Greenberg. Tuesday's studio coverage will be provided by host Adam Lefkoe alongside Shaquille O'Neal, Candace Parker and Dwyane Wade.
In the United States, you can stream Pelicans vs. Grizzlies at TNTdrama.com or with Sling TV, which offers a free three-day trial.
Pelicans vs. Grizzlies start time
- Date: Tuesday, March 8
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT
Pelicans vs. Grizzlies is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. The game will tip off shortly after its scheduled start time.
Pelicans schedule 2021-22
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV (USA) | National TV (CA) |
| March 8 | at Grizzlies | 7:30 p.m. | TNT | TSN 2 |
| March 9 | vs. Magic | 8:00 p.m. | – | – |
| March 11 | vs. Hornets | 8:00 p.m. | – | – |
| March 13 | vs. Rockets | 7:00 p.m. | – | NBA TV Canada |
| March 15 | vs. Suns | 8:00 p.m. | NBA TV | NBA TV Canada |
