Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans traveled to the Bay Area on Tuesday night to face the Steph Curry-less Golden State Warriors. Williamson is playing in his third consecutive game after missing the season opener due to an illness.
The two-time NBA All-Star started the game for the Pelicans alongside CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and Daniel Theis. He finished the first quarter with seven points, two rebounds, one assist, and one block. He even hit a 3-pointer when Draymond Green dared him to shoot.
In the second quarter, Williamson started the scoring with an and-one play. He played the majority of the period and helped keep the Warriors at bay. His aggressiveness in attacking the basket had a huge impact on the Pelicans’ 51-47 lead at the half.
Zion Williamson is one of the best prop bets for the Pelicans against the Warriors. Grant Afseth analyzes the best Zion Williamson prop bets as the Pelicans take on the Golden State Warriors.
The Pelicans will face the Warriors on Tuesday night. However, the anticipated head-to-head matchup between Williamson and Stephen Curry won’t take place, with Curry sidelined by an ankle injury.
Despite missing the season opener, Williamson has contributed consistently for New Orleans, averaging 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists over his two appearances. His versatile role, along with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, has balanced out New Orleans’ scoring.
Here are the best prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Zion Williamson heading into Tuesday’s game:
- 22.5 Points (Over -110/UUnder -120)
- 6.5 Rebounds (Over -115/UUnder -115)
- 4.5 Assists (Over -145/UUnder +114)
- 33.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (Over -125 / Under -105)
- Double-Double (+255) and Triple-Double (+2000) Bets
Column: Cooper Flagg is not the next Zion Williamson—expect a different type of impact.
Duke men’s basketball owns a spot in the national spotlight, yet the 2024-25 Blue Devils are poised to receive a nearly unprecedented amount of attention. Viewership of even nonconference games will likely skyrocket. People who typically overlook college basketball will discuss the team’s performance. We will scrutinize coaches and players alike for any mistake and glorify every success.
Freshman forward Cooper Flagg‘s commitment to Duke last October forever changed the narrative surrounding head coach Jon Scheyer’s third year at the helm. As the consensus No. 1 recruit in the nation and first freshman to be named Preseason All-American in four years, Flagg begins this season with an avalanche of expectations on his back.
Scheyer said during a September media availability, “I don’t know if we’ve ever had a 17-year-old with as much attention around him.” “A lot of it rightfully so, [because of] the high school career he’s had and what he’s done.”
The hype surrounding Flagg has inevitably drawn comparisons to Zion Williamson‘s 2018-19 campaign with the Blue Devils. Yet, the comparisons between Flagg and Williamson should end there. Not only are they two completely distinct players, but each arrived in Durham under wildly different circumstances.
Flagg isn’t as flashy as Williamson; Flagg’s strengths are much more subtle, and his impact on the court stretches far beyond what appears on a highlight reel. Boasting elite defensive instincts, an uncanny shot-blocking ability, and an intensity reminiscent of the very best defenders, Flagg projects as a nightmarish matchup for even the best scorers.
While Williamson was largely entrusted to bear the bulk of Duke’s offensive responsibility, Scheyer’s 2024-25 team is perfectly constructed to relieve that pressure from Flagg’s shoulders. The Blue Devils will likely face some setbacks this year, sprouting reactionary narratives that are as easy to predict as they are flawed in nature.
“Very soon, we’re going to be playing national TV games outside of Cameron,” Scheyer said. “I can tell you Cooper is wired for it, just like Zion was.” I think everybody should understand that he’s still 17 and going through an incredibly difficult schedule with a lot on his shoulders. There’s going to be moments where he has growing pains… It’s par for the course.”
Blue Devil fans should get excited about both Flagg and the team’s chances of capturing a sixth national title this year. However, the Cameron Crazies should reconsider their expectations regarding Cooper Flagg’s potential contributions. Cooper Flagg is not the next Zion Williamson. Don’t expect a flurry of 360-degree dunks and 20-plus point-per-game performances. Instead, watch closely for Flagg’s impact on every aspect of the game, and you won’t be disappointed with what you find.