New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson missed Wednesday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers due to the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols. However, Williamson will be on the floor when the Pels take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
Andrew Lopez of ESPN previously reported Williamson's absence Wednesday was mandated by an inconclusive test. In other words, he was essentially held out as a precautionary measure.
But Lopez reported Thursday the former No. 1 pick has been cleared to resume team activities, and will be available for Friday's matchup with the defending champion Lakers.
Zion Williamson has been cleared to resume team activities, source says.
He's good to play tomorrow night vs. the Lakers.
ā Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) January 14, 2021
Williamson's sophomore season was off to a strong start prior to Wednesday's bump in the road.
The former Duke star was averaging 21.9 points and 8.1 rebounds through his first nine games. He also had slightly better defensive metrics after looking like a glaring weak spot in New Orleans' team defense during the NBA restart. Zion will try to lift the Pelicans after they suffered a fourth consecutive loss on Wednesday.
New Orleans has made major strides on the defensive end of the floor this season, ranking ninth in defensive rating. But scoring the ball has been a bit of a struggle.
Lonzo Ball was really struggling through his first nine games, in part because Eric Bledsoe had also been seeing more of the ball. But there are reasons to be encouraged.
Brandon Ingram was terrific down the stretch in Wednesday's loss to the Clippers, and second-year guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored a career-high 37 points. Alexander-Walker in particular has looked more and more like a bright spot in the early goings.
The Pelicans will hope to halt their losing skid Friday night against the Lakers.
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