New Orleans Pelicans star big man Zion Williamson missed Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols related to COVID-19.
However, the Pelicans confirmed on Thursday that Williamson has been cleared to return to basketball activities ahead of Friday’s matchup at the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Andrew Lopez of ESPN, Williamson’s absence was caused by inconclusive COVID-19 test results, and the 20-year-old should be good to go on Friday night.
New Orleans fell to the Clippers 111-106 without Williamson. That was the first game the second-year pro missed this season and the fourth straight that the Pelicans lost after starting the campaign at 4-2.
Per ESPN stats, Williamson leads the Pelicans in player efficiency rating (22.39) and is second on the team in scoring (21.9 PPG) and third in rebounds (8.1).
Lopez added that both Lonzo Ball (bilateral knee tendinopathy) and Eric Bledsoe (right eye irritation) didn’t play against the Clippers and could remain sidelined through at least Friday night.
The NBA is attempting to navigate through its current COVID-19 crisis and has already postponed nine games since the season began on Dec. 22. There’s currently no indication the Association is going to pause play this winter.
