Pelicans news: Zion Williamson follows New Orleans' guidance when it comes to being safe with injuries

Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson didn't play against the Pacers on Saturday because of an ankle injury, but he's expected to be back in action on Tuesday.

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson didn't play against the Indiana Pacers this past Saturday because of an ankle injury, but he's expected to be back in action on Tuesday when the Pelicans take on Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers.

If it was up to Williamson, he probably would have played versus the Pacers, but the high-flyer says he's following the Pelicans' guidance when it comes to playing it safe:

Zion on the team playing it safe with him even when he feels healthy:

"They just tell me (about) longevity, the bigger picture — it's more long term. They've been doing this for a long time and I'm just learning. I follow their guidance."

— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) February 10, 2020

Williamson has played in eight games this season. He's averaging 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 57.4 percent from the field, 44.4 percent from beyond the arc and 58.8 percent from the free-throw line.

The Pelicans are 4-4 with Williamson in the lineup and 22-31 overall on the season. New Orleans is in 11th place in the Western Conference standings. The franchise wants Williamson to be healthy for the next decade or so. Playing it safe with Zion his entire career is probably the smart way to go since he's so explosive and puts a lot of torque on his body and joints.

There's still a chance the Pelicans can make the playoffs this season. They are currently five games back of the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and final playoff spot out West. It would be a great story to see Williamson help New Orleans reach the postseason after he missed so much time with his knee injury.

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