Pelicans star F Zion Williamson (illness) scratched from opener

Field Level Media|published: Wed 23rd October, 20:52 2024

NBA: Preseason-New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat

Oct 13, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles the basketball against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson missed Wednesday night's season opener against the visiting Chicago Bulls due to illness.

Williamson was scratched prior to the game when his illness didn't display improvement.

New Orleans coach Willie Green told reporters that Williamson was not at the arena.

Green was unsure whether Williamson will travel with the team for Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. That contest is the start of a four-game western swing.

Williamson, a two-time All-Star, played a career-best 70 games last season and averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and a career-high 5.0 assists. He appeared in just 114 games over his first four seasons due to an assortment of injuries.

Williamson, 24, has career averages of 24.7 points and 6.5 rebounds in 184 games with New Orleans since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft.

--Field Level Media

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