Williamson (rest) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.
As expected, Williamson will take a seat for the second half of New Orleans' back-to-back after posting 21 points (10-14 FG, 1-4 FT), seven rebounds, nine assists and one block across 24 minutes during Tuesday's win over the Bulls. Williamson should return to action Friday against Utah, but he'll likely take at least one game off during back-to-back sets for the rest of the season.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Teases triple-double Tuesday
Rotowire
Williamson closed Tuesday's 119-113 win over the Bulls with 21 points (10-14 FG, 1-4 FT), seven rebounds, nine assists and one block across 24 minutes.
It was a strong performance from the first overall pick in the 2019 Draft, but his ability has rarely been in question, only his availability. Williamson has managed to be in the lineup for three of New Orleans' last five games after missing all of December and most of November with hamstring issues, averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 boards, 5.3 assists and 2.7 steals since his return while shooting 54.5 percent from the floor.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Balanced outing in return
Rotowire
Williamson produced 16 points (5-15 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and five steals in 28 minutes during Sunday's 120-119 loss to the Celtics.
Williamson returned Sunday after serving a one-game suspension Friday, doing a little bit of everything on both ends of the court in the contest despite struggling from the field in the close battle. Williamson led all players in steals while finishing second on the team in rebounds and as one of three Pelicans with 15 or more points. Williamson also set a new season high in steals and has now recorded at least 15 points in six appearances.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Suspended Friday
Rotowire
The Pelicans suspended Williamson for one game Friday for a violation of team policies.
Williamson will miss Friday's game against the 76ers after he was late for Thursday's flight to Philadelphia, per Shams Charania of ESPN. His next chance to play will come Sunday against the Celtics. With the star forward joining Herbert Jones (shoulder) on the sideline, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Javonte Green and Brandon Boston will all likely see a bump in minutes Friday.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Set to play against Philadelphia
Rotowire
Williamson (rest) isn't on the injury report for Friday's game versus the 76ers.
Williamson will return to action Friday after missing Wednesday's contest due to injury maintenance. The star forward will likely reclaim his starting spot from Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Ruled out for Wednesday
Rotowire
Williamson (injury maintenance) will not play Wednesday against Portland.
After making his return to the lineup Tuesday versus the Timberwolves and recording 22 points (9-15 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-9 FT), six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in 28 minutes, Williamson will sit out the second leg of this back-to-back set as expected. With Williamson sidelined, the Pelicans could give Brandon Boston and Javonte Green additional run against Portland.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Effective in return
Rotowire
Williamson (hamstring) tallied 22 points (9-15 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-9 FT), six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in 28 minutes during Tuesday's 104-97 loss to the Timberwolves.
Williamson suited up for the first time since Nov. 6 after missing an extended period due to a hamstring injury. While the 24-year-old forward was held under 30 minutes, he looked as athletic as ever, as demonstrated by the 360-degree, double-clutch windmill dunk he unleashed early in the third quarter. Even if Williamson continues to play fewer than 30 minutes per contest while he works his way back to a full workload, he's capable of providing efficient scoring to go with useful contributions in the rebounds, assists and defensive categories. The Pelicans will wrap up a back-to-back set Wednesday versus the Trail Blazers, and Williamson could be a candidate to rest for that contest before returning to action Friday at Philadelphia.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Set to play Tuesday
Rotowire
Williamson (hamstring) is available to play Tuesday against the Timberwolves.
Williamson will make his return to action after missing the past 27 games with a left hamstring strain. Given that the 7-29 Pelicans find themselves well removed from playoff contention, Williamson will be eased back with a minute restriction, at least for a handful of games. Tuesday's game is the first leg of a back-to-back set as well, so the team may hold Williamson out Wednesday against Portland. Prior to missing time with the injury, Williamson appeared in just six games and averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 blocks in 31.0 minutes.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Questionable to play Tuesday
Rotowire
Williamson (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
A left hamstring strain has caused Williamson to miss the Pelicans' last 27 games. Per Guillory, head coach Willie Green said Monday that Williamson has a chance to return to action this week, and that could come as early as Tuesday's Western Conference battle. In the six games prior to his injury, Williamson averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 blocks over 31.0 minutes per contest.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Could return this week
Rotowire
Pelicans coach Willie Green said Monday that Williamson (hamstring) could return to action this week, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
Williamson has been sidelined since Nov. 6 with a hamstring strain, but he practiced in full Monday which included a 5-on-5 scrimmage. The Pelicans will release their official injury report Monday evening, and it will be interesting to see what designation Williamson is given for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Still out
Rotowire
Williamson (hamstring) won't play in Sunday's game versus the Wizards.
Williamson hasn't played since Nov. 6 due to a left hamstring strain. While Williamson's next chance to suit up is Tuesday's matchup with Minnesota, he will likely need to log a full-contact practice before returning to action.
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Limited participant in practice
Rotowire
Williamson (hamstring) was a limited participant during Sunday's practice, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
Williamson went through limited non-contact work at Sunday's practice, and he was able to do some contact drills on the side as well. The star big man is considered week-to-week with the strained left hamstring, and he will likely require a bit more time to ramp up his workload before returning to game action. Williamson has appeared in only six regular-season outings this year, during which he has averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 blocks across 31.0 minutes per contest.
... See More... See Less
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Considered week-to-week
Rotowire
Williamson (hamstring) will return to full practice next week and is going to be listed as week-to-week going forward, Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reports.
Williamson hasn't played since Nov. 6 due to a left hamstring strain, but he's progressing towards a return in the near future. The Pelicans are 5-25, however, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the team worked him back into the rotation slowly. Based on this report, the earliest possible return date is Jan. 1 against Miami, but that could be too optimistic.
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Continues to progress in recovery
Rotowire
Williams (hamstring) was seen getting work off to the side of Thursday's shootaround, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.
Williamson hasn't played since Nov. 6 due to a left hamstring strain but is expected to be re-evaluated in the next few days. While the 24-year-old forward continues to progress in his recovery, there is no indication he has been cleared for full-contact practice.
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Will be evaluated in two weeks
Rotowire
Williamson is "progressing well through rehabilitation" of his left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.
Williamson's setback-free progression amid a multi-week absence bodes well, and Dec. 19 versus Houston becomes the next landmark game in Williamson's timeline. New Orleans will certainly exercise caution with the 24-year-old's long-term health, but residing in last place in the Western Conference could push the agenda.
