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[Saba Sports News] Heading into the second half of a back-to-back series between the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans, the team announced a significant update regarding Zion Williamson’s status for Monday’s game.
“Two New Orleans frontcourt starters are being listed on Sunday’s official injury report as questionable to play Monday vs. Utah (7 p.m., GCSEN TV, WWL radio), both due to non-COVID illness. Yves Missi did not play Friday against the Jazz; Zion Williamson was added to today’s injury list,” the Pelicans stated on Sunday night.
Williamson played in Friday’s matchup against Utah, marking his return from a hamstring injury with an impressive performance of 24 points and 14 rebounds in a 136-123 win at the Smoothie King Center.
The game was punctuated by a highlight-worthy dunk over Utah center Drew Eubanks, showcasing Williamson’s signature power and athleticism.
Earlier this year, Williamson missed 27 games due to a hamstring injury before returning on January 7 in a 104-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, three days later, the Pelicans suspended him for one game following rule violations, including tardiness for a team flight. Since then, veteran guard CJ McCollum has praised Williamson’s progress, stating he’s been “taking strides in the right direction.”
Despite battling illness, Williamson made an appearance at a special event for Pelicans season ticket holders on Sunday night. During the event, he provided an update on his health and reaffirmed his commitment to New Orleans.
“The hamstring was a major setback, but I feel great now, playing the game I love,” Williamson said. “And let me be clear: I love New Orleans. I don’t know where that narrative comes from. This is home for me. I say it every year.”
The Pelicans have struggled this season, posting an 11-32 record, including a 7-26 mark in games without Williamson. However, the team has started to gain momentum, winning three straight and six of their last 10 games.
New Orleans showed offensive improvement Friday, hitting a season-high 22 three-pointers and shooting 44% from beyond the arc. CJ McCollum has been a steadying presence, averaging 23 points per game since Christmas, highlighted by a 50-point performance on January 3 against the Washington Wizards.
The Pelicans face a challenging stretch of games following Monday’s contest, with tough matchups against Milwaukee, Dallas, Boston, Sacramento (twice), and road trips to Memphis, Denver (twice), Sacramento, and Oklahoma City before mid-February. Building on their recent momentum will be crucial as they navigate this demanding portion of the schedule.