Zion Williamson Out for Game Against Celtics Due to Injury

NEW ORLEANS, LA — New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson will not play against the Boston Celtics on Monday night due to a left foot bone contusion, according to head coach Willie Green. This marks Williamson’s first missed game of the season.

Williamson, 25, was initially not on the injury report but was later added as ‘questionable’ as the game approached. He has had a strong start to the season, averaging 27 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals over the Pelicans’ first two games.

On Friday, he scored 27 points and contributed 10 rebounds and 7 assists in the team’s overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He also played 37 minutes in that game, showcasing his importance to the Pelicans.

This season, injuries have been a recurring theme for Williamson, who has struggled to stay on the court throughout his career. In fact, he has played over 60 games only twice since being drafted number one overall in 2019.

Last season, he managed to play in just 30 games due to various injuries, including a bone contusion in his back. In those games, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 56.7 percent from the field.

The Pelicans will look to end their winless start to the season without Williamson. Meanwhile, the Celtics are also dealing with injuries as star wing Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable with a hamstring issue, and Jayson Tatum is expected to miss significant time after suffering an Achilles tear.

Williamson’s absence raises concerns about the Pelicans’ ability to find success against the Celtics as they search for their first win. His next opportunity to return will be Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets.