New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, a two-time NBA All-Star, has been suspended for one game as a result of a rules infraction, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Williamson has seen limited playing time this season so far, largely because of health problems, rather than disciplinary actions by the New Orleans organization.
According to the team’s update, Trevor Williamson was late to the team’s plane before a trip to Philadelphia to face the 76ers on Thursday. As a result, he will miss only a single game, the team’s Friday night matchup against the 76ers.
Although Williamson had vowed to be out for “pure revenge” throughout the year, he’s been limited in participation with his team.
When available this season, Williamson has been impressive, putting up strong numbers in just seven games with New Orleans. He’s averaging 22.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
New Orleans has been dealing with a brutal misfortune during the 2024-25 season so far.
Coming off a 49-33 record in the 2023-24 season, hopes were high that the Pelicans would make significant strides this year. Unfortunately, the team has instead taken a downturn, largely because of a run of bad luck with injuries.
Coming in at 7-31, their record ranks 15th in the Western Conference standings.
Earlier on Friday, it was reported that swingman Herbert Jones will be sidelined for an unknown length of time due to a diagnosis of a torn labrum in his right shoulder, following tests on Thursday.
Pelicans small forward Brandon Ingram is currently out due to a left ankle sprain, and guard Dejounte Murray is sidelined with an injury to his right shin and elbow. Additionally, swingman Trey Murphy III has an injured left ankle.
After just a single game of moderate intensity.
There have been several Pelicans players who have experienced frequent lineup changes throughout the season.
Right now, New Orleans’ chances of making the playoffs this season seem slim, and it’s only mid-January. The 10th seed in the Western Conference is currently held by the San Antonio Spurs, who are 18-19. This pace translates to a 40-win season in an 82-game season, which isn’t exactly encouraging.
For the Pelicans to reach 40 wins, they’ll have to achieve a 33-11 record for the rest of the season. Given that even the top teams in the league find it challenging to maintain such a record, this seems highly unlikely, especially considering New Orleans’ star player is now out due to a suspension for a seemingly minor infraction.
There are also some complicated feelings in New Orleans due to reports that the team has been interested in trading away the expiring contract of Brandon Ingram since the offseason. For now, he remains on the roster, but will become a free agent in the summer.
Given the potential scenario, it would be beneficial for the Pelicans to re-sign Ingram before he reaches free agency, or risk losing him without receiving any compensatory assets in return.
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