The New Orleans Pelicans are set to kick off the season on national television next Tuesday with a game against the Toronto Raptors, but the new-look Pelicans will be without No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson for the start of the season. Williamson, whose NBA debut is one of the most anticipated in recent memory, is suffering from a knee injury that could keep him out for several weeks, according to reports.
What’s wrong with Zion’s knee?
On Thursday, the Pelicans announced that Williamson would miss the team’s final preseason game with “right knee soreness.”
According to the Pelicans, Williamson is not traveling with the team to the game, and will remain in New Orleans for testing.
Williamson missed time during the Summer League as well after suffering a knee bruise in his debut, but that injury was to his left knee.
How serious is the injury?
On Friday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Williamson’s injury is more serious than a day-to-day issue, but is fortunately not expected to be severe. The Pelicans believe the injury occurred in their game against the Spurs on October 11th. Williamson scored a game-high 22 points in the Pelicans’ win.
The Pelicans have every reason to be cautious with Williamson, so it’s possible he could miss an extended period of the season as he recovers.
