NBA Notes: Pelicans, Zion Williamson, Suns, Devin Booker, AJ Dybantsa

Pelicans

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson saw his career-high streak of 35 straight games played end Sunday because of an ankle sprain.

But don’t expect a long absence.

Williamson is listed as questionable for Tuesday against the Lakers and told ESPN he expects to suit up.

There’s more at stake than pride. Williamson can lock in at least 80 percent of his $42.2 million salary for 2026-27 if he appears in 16 of New Orleans’ final 20 games. The remaining portion becomes guaranteed if he also meets weight-related benchmarks.

Motivation? Check.

Suns

The Suns are getting healthier at the right time.

Devin Booker is off the injury report after missing four games with a right hip strain, as relayed by Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. Phoenix split those contests but ranked near the bottom of the league offensively without him.

Newly signed swingman Haywood Highsmith also appears set to make his season debut after knee surgery last summer. With Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin still sidelined, there’s an immediate opportunity for minutes.

NBA Draft

At the top of Sam Vecenie’s latest mock for The Athletic: AJ Dybantsa.

The BYU freshman headlines what evaluators are calling a loaded class. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Duke forward Cameron Boozer remain firmly in the No. 1 conversation.

After that? Things get murkier, especially with NIL money giving some prospects real incentive to stay in school.