NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Coming into Tuesday night’s game, the New Orleans Pelicans are red hot, and the Cavs have seen mixed results in recent games.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, right, tries to drive past Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)(Peter Forest | AP)
The 8-22 Pelicans are the unlikely owners of the NBA’s longest current win streak as they look for their sixth straight in Cleveland.
Behind the Pelicans’ recent success is interim coach James Borrego employing a fast-paced offensive approach behind two Rookie of the Year Candidates in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.
In the win, Queen slightly outperformed ROY favorite Cooper Flagg by finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in 34 minutes. Flagg finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal in 35 minutes.
Borrego has also enlisted Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole’s efforts to the bench units, and it’s producing results.
New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) drives past Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) for a layup in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Peter Forest)(Peter Forest | AP)
Williamson scored 10 straight points in crucial fourth-quarter minutes as a closer in Monday’s 119-113 victory over the Mavs at home.
Now, for Williamson, the question is, will he suit up on the second night of a back-to-back on the road now that he is playing under 30 minutes a night? All signs point to ‘yes’ as he did not appear on the injury report as of Tuesday afternoon.
For Cleveland, they started the season hot but have sunk to seventh in the East with a total record of 16-14. Their slide started in late November, and they are 2-3 in the last five games.
Both teams are coming off a win from the previous night. The Cavs rallied to defeat Charlotte 139-132. Donovan Mitchell was the high scorer with 30 points.
Once in the bottom cellar of the entire league, the Pelicans are now just four games out from the last Play-In spot with a mostly healthy roster.
INJURY REPORT
Herb Jones has been ruled out with a right ankle sprain from Monday’s win over Dallas. Guard Jordan Poole is listed as questionable with left ankle soreness. Dejounte Murray remains out. Two-way players Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are both out.
Coverage begins tonight at 6 p.m. on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network.
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