Kiwi Steven Adams may be headed for some time on the sidelines, after exiting New Orleans Pelicans' latest NBA win with a back injury.
Zion Williamson scored 31 points, as the Pelicans salvaged the final game of a four-game road trip by defeating Memphis Grizzlies 144-113.
The Pelicans, who allowed an average of 131.7 points in consecutive losses against Chicago, Dallas and Detroit, took control by allowing 49 points total in the second and third quarters at Memphis.
Josh Hart came off the bench to score a season-high 27, as the Pelicans reserves outscored their Grizzlies counterparts 63-30. Brandon Ingram scored 22 and Lonzo Ball had 13, as the Pelicans posted a season high in points.
New Orleans, who defeated visiting Memphis 118-109 earlier this month, beat the Grizzlies for a fifth consecutive time over the last two seasons.
But the celebrations were muted for Adams, who left the game late in the the third quarter and did not return. He was quickly ruled out with a lower back problem, after compiling eight points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks over 24 minutes.
Understudy Willie Hernangomez had 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench, and would likely start, if Adams is ruled out for any length of time.
New Orleans are scheduled to host Portland Trailblazers on Thursday (NZ time).
More to come
