The New Orleans Pelicans announced on Wednesday that their star forward Zion Williamson will not play in their road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to personal reasons. This is the second game that Williamson has missed this season, after sitting out for rest against the Detroit Pistons last week.
Williamson’s stellar start to the season
Williamson has been leading the Pelicans in scoring, averaging 21.8 points per game with 7.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He has also been shooting 57.1% from the field and 35.7% from the three-point line. The fourth-year forward has been showcasing his explosive athleticism and versatility, scoring in a variety of ways and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Williamson has also been improving his defense, averaging 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. He has been more active and engaged on that end of the floor, using his strength and quickness to disrupt the opponents’ offense. He has also been more vocal and assertive as a leader, helping the Pelicans to a 4-3 record so far.
Williamson’s reasons for missing the game
The Pelicans did not disclose the specific reason for Williamson’s absence, but some reports suggest that it is related to the upcoming birth of his daughter. Williamson and his girlfriend, Tiana White, announced in September that they were expecting their first child, a baby girl. Williamson has expressed his excitement and joy about becoming a father, saying that it is a blessing and a motivation for him.
Williamson also missed the Pelicans’ game against the Pistons on Nov. 2 due to rest, as the team is being cautious with his workload and health. Williamson had surgery on his right foot in August and missed the entire preseason. He has been playing on a minutes restriction, averaging 28.7 minutes per game. The Pelicans are hoping to keep him fresh and healthy for the long season ahead.
Pelicans’ other injury updates
The Pelicans also provided updates on two of their guards, Jose Alvarado and CJ McCollum. Alvarado sprained his right ankle during the offseason and is expected to return to full team practices within one to two weeks. Alvarado is a rookie point guard who signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans after going undrafted. He played for Georgia Tech in college and averaged 15.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.8 steals per game last season.
McCollum, who was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster trade that sent Brandon Ingram and Eric Bledsoe to Portland, was diagnosed with a collapsed right lung in October. He was re-examined on Tuesday and showed positive healing after images were taken. He will be re-evaluated at a later date. McCollum is a veteran shooting guard who averaged 23.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game last season. He has not played for the Pelicans yet.
Timberwolves’ injury update
The Timberwolves will also be missing one of their players on Wednesday, as guard Jordan McLaughlin was diagnosed with an MCL sprain in his right knee. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks. McLaughlin averaged 3.8 minutes in five games this season. He is a backup point guard who signed a two-year contract with the Timberwolves in August. He played for USC in college and averaged 12.8 points, 7.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in his senior year.
The Pelicans and the Timberwolves will face off on Wednesday at 7 p.m. CT at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Pelicans are looking to bounce back from a 117-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, while the Timberwolves are aiming to extend their winning streak to three games after beating the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets.
