Why Is Zion Williamson Not Playing Tonight? Pelicans Star’s Concerning Update Moments Before Rockets Clash

The New Orleans Pelicans will go head-to-head against the Houston Rockets tonight. It is a highly anticipated clash as both teams are young and trying to book a spot in the playoffs. However, the Pelicans will have their work cut out because they will play without their superstar, Zion Williamson. According to the latest Pelicans injury report, Zion has been ruled out of tonight’s game due to a left foot bone contusion.

Zion’s health has been in question the entire season, and he has been in and out of the lineup frequently. Zion has played in 38 of the 47 games so far and missed his most recent game last week against the OKC Thunder. The severity of Williamson’s injury is unknown, and it is uncertain when he will return to action. Apart from Zion, Forward Herb Jones will miss his second straight game tonight due to right adductor soreness.

These are two massive blows for the Pelicans, as Zion and Herb have played great this season when available. Herb has been a decent role player for the Pelicans, averaging 10.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Zion has also had an All-Star-caliber season this year. He is averaging 22 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists and has already played 9 more games than he did last season.

The Pelicans are on a three-game losing streak heading into tonight’s game, and they desperately needed Zion Williamson in the lineup to come out with a much-needed win. The Pelicans are currently 8th in the Western Conference standings with a 26-21 record and fighting to avoid the play-in situation. However, Zion’s injury could ruin their chances like the previous seasons.

Zion Williamson’s shaky NBA career

Although Zion Williamson is one of the most talented young players in the NBA, his career has not turned out how everyone imagined. Zion was the number 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft and the most hyped prospect since LeBron James in 2003. Zion’s dominant performance at Duke University and incredible athleticism took the NBA World by storm, and he was deemed the next face of the league. However, Zion’s career has been plagued by injuries since he entered the NBA.

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Zion has never played more than 61 games in a season throughout his career. He also missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a foot injury. Zion plays like a superstar whenever he is healthy and available on the floor. Unfortunately, the fans hardly get a chance to witness Zion’s greatness, as he is mostly on the injury report. This season has been his most healthy year since 2020-21. Hopefully, Zion can recover from his injury and return to action soon.

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