The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday at the Smoothie King Center, but star forward Zion Williamson’s availability remains uncertain.

Williamson, who missed Saturday’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs due to personal reasons, is listed as questionable for Monday’s game. His status will likely be determined closer to tipoff.

Williamson’s Impact and Recent Performance

Since returning from a hamstring injury on January 7, Williamson has been a key contributor for the Pelicans. In 22 games, he has averaged 24.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting an impressive 59.5% from the field.

Despite his strong individual performances, the Pelicans have struggled as a team, posting an 18-50 record the fourth-worst in the NBA.

New Orleans has lost six of its last seven games, continuing a disappointing season plagued by injuries.

Williamson’s potential absence would be another blow to a team already missing several key players.

Pistons’ Playoff Push

On the other side, the Detroit Pistons are fighting for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

With a 37-31 record, they currently hold the sixth seed, just one game behind the Indiana Pacers for fifth and 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for fourth.

The Pistons have lost four of their last six games but remain in the thick of the playoff race.

Injury Reports for Both Teams

The Pelicans’ injury report is lengthy, with several players sidelined. Brandon Boston (left ankle), Herb Jones (right shoulder), and Dejounte Murray (right Achilles) are all out, while Yves Messi (left ankle) and Kelly Olynyk (left finger) are questionable.

Williamson’s status due to personal reasons adds further uncertainty.

For the Pistons, Jaden Ivey (left fibula) is out, while Ron Harper Jr., Daniss Jenkins, and Tolu Smith are all unavailable due to G League assignments.

With Williamson’s status up in the air, the Pelicans enter Monday’s game as 7.5-point underdogs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

If Williamson is unable to play, the Pelicans will face an uphill battle against a Pistons team determined to solidify its playoff position.

As the season winds down, both teams are looking to finish strong. For the Pelicans, Williamson’s presence or absence could significantly impact their chances of ending the year on a positive note. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his status as tipoff approaches.

Manchester United will have to put up “no less than €50m” if they hope to secure Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer, and they won’t be the only club in the race.

According to journalist Filippo Maggi who is said to be “very close” to Atalanta—the Brazilian midfielder has caught the attention of several clubs, including Juventus, making a potential transfer highly competitive.

Maggi shared his insights during Calciomercato.it’s TiAmCalciomercato show, stating, “Ederson is very popular.”

The 24-year-old has been a key figure for Atalanta, particularly during last season’s Europa League-winning campaign, and has continued to impress in Serie A.

His performances have drawn admiration from top clubs across Europe, with multiple Premier League teams monitoring him for over a year.

Manchester United, who are planning another major summer overhaul under new boss Ruben Amorim, have been linked to Ederson for months.

Reports dating back to December suggested the Red Devils had “increased their interest” in the player, and more recently, both United and Manchester City were said to have “tested the waters” ahead of a possible move.

However, Juventus could also be a serious contender for the midfielder’s signature.

Despite some “coldness” in negotiations between Atalanta and Juve over Teun Koopmeiners, Maggi insists that “the relationship between Atalanta and Juventus is not difficult” and that if the Turin club makes a move, “I see no obstacles.”

With Ederson’s valuation set at “no less than €50-55m,” it remains to be seen which club will step up to meet Atalanta’s demands in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United will have to put up “no less than €50m” if they hope to secure Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer, and they won’t be the only club in the race.

According to journalist Filippo Maggi—who is said to be “very close” to Atalanta the Brazilian midfielder has caught the attention of several clubs, including Juventus, making a potential transfer highly competitive.

Maggi shared his insights during Calciomercato.it’s TiAmCalciomercato show, stating, “Ederson is very popular.”

The 24-year-old has been a key figure for Atalanta, particularly during last season’s Europa League-winning campaign, and has continued to impress in Serie A.

His performances have drawn admiration from top clubs across Europe, with multiple Premier League teams monitoring him for over a year.

Manchester United, who are planning another major summer overhaul under new boss Ruben Amorim, have been linked to Ederson for months.

Reports dating back to December suggested the Red Devils had “increased their interest” in the player, and more recently, both United and Manchester City were said to have “tested the waters” ahead of a possible move.

However, Juventus could also be a serious contender for the midfielder’s signature. Despite some “coldness” in negotiations between Atalanta and Juve over Teun Koopmeiners, Maggi insists that “the relationship between Atalanta and Juventus is not difficult” and that if the Turin club makes a move, “I see no obstacles.”

With Ederson’s valuation set at “no less than €50-55m,” it remains to be seen which club will step up to meet Atalanta’s demands in the summer transfer window.

Casemiro Advises Ruben Amorim on How to Maximize Joshua Zirkzee’s Potential

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro believes that playing Joshua Zirkzee as a striker is a mistake, arguing that his true potential is best unlocked in the number 10 role.

The Dutch forward had a challenging start to life at Old Trafford following his summer move from Bologna but has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. With United struggling with injuries, manager Ruben Amorim has opted to deploy Zirkzee as one of his two attacking midfielders a tactical shift that appears to be paying off.

Zirkzee played a crucial role in United’s 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, scoring the team’s only goal with a well-taken finish after linking up with Alejandro Garnacho.

Following the match, Amorim expressed his satisfaction with the 23-year-old’s performance and steady development.

Casemiro, too, was full of praise for Zirkzee and emphasized the importance of utilizing him in the right way.

Speaking to The Mirror, he explained, “It’s a waste to have him” in a traditional striker role and stressed that playing him as a number 10 allows him to thrive.

The Brazilian midfielder further added, “I’m very happy for him and I hope he continues to score goals, which is important for us.”

With Zirkzee finding his rhythm in a deeper role, Amorim may have discovered the best way to fully unlock his attacking potential as United push forward in their campaign.

“He’s a very good player. He’s not a number nine who stays in the middle. He’s a nine who goes out more to the wings, which is why he plays as a bit of a No.10, which is what this coach likes.”

“He’s very good, he’s got a lot of quality, he likes to control the ball, to spin. He’s a player who has more quality. It’s a waste to have him standing up front alone.”

“He’s not a player who always wants to be up there, leading the attack and scoring goals that way. He’s more of a player who wants to play and create.”

Casemiro also opened up on his uncertain transfer situation, indicating it is “too soon” to discuss whether or not he’ll stay at United beyond the upcoming window.

“Of course I want to play, but I always say, and these are my values, that I respect the coach a lot, I respect the club. Every day I go to Carrington or Old Trafford, I try to do my best. If a player is on the bench and is happy, that player is not worth anything for any team.”

“Of course I want to play, I want to have more minutes, but the coach is the one who makes the decisions and I have a lot of respect for him and for the club.”

He added, “It’s too soon to talk about next season, but of course I have another year of contract and then an option. We have important games and on Sunday we have Arsenal.”

“I’m here, I’m available, with total happiness, and I’m ready for the coach and the club. As everyone knows, I’m a big character for the club.”

Casemiro’s contract at Old Trafford expires in 2026.

Wyndham Clark kicked off the Arnold Palmer Invitational with an impressive 5-under 67, securing the first-round lead.

Reflecting on his approach at Bay Hill, the American shared, “There’s a lot of water, there’s a lot of trouble out here, and I think I’ve just gotten more comfortable with some of those tee shots. Maybe a little more conservative on some holes, maybe a little more aggressive on others. Then just I think thinking my way around the course better.”

Clark also noted how his course management has evolved over time: “I think in the past sometimes I would get out of position and I would try to make up for it and then I make a big number. I’ve just kind of learned to maybe put it back in play and just maybe make your par or bogey and not try to get those big numbers. So that’s maybe been it. It’s nice to put some good numbers on this golf course and, you know, if anything it’s really good momentum for the rest of the week.”

A three-time PGA Tour winner, Clark’s achievements include his maiden major title at the 2023 U.S. Open, along with victories at the 2023 Truist Championship and the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

His best finish so far in the 2025 season was a T15 at The Sentry in January.

Shane Lowry carded a 3-under 69, highlighted by three birdies, two bogeys, and an eagle at the par-5 16th, placing him in a tie for second, two shots behind Clark.

Sharing T2 are Keegan Bradley, Corey Conners, and Christiaan Bezuidenhout.

Rory McIlroy, the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational champion, began his tournament with a 2-under 70, placing him in T6.

The Northern Irishman, who won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this season, recently moved to No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking, overtaking Xander Schauffele, who had held the spot since May 2024.

Defending champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler opened with a 1-under 71, leaving him four strokes off the lead in T11.

Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele, making his return from a rib injury, struggled with a 5-over 77 his highest score in 13 rounds at Bay Hill placing him in T52.

The American has now recorded a round of 74 or worse in each of his last three starts at this course.

As one of three Signature Events featuring a cut, the field will be trimmed after 36 holes to the low 50 players and ties, along with any additional competitors within 10 strokes of the halfway leader.