New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will not be available Wednesday night as the Pels prepare to take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Pelicans announced Williamson was ruled out due to the league's COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols.
Updated Injury Report: Zion Williamson is OUT for tonight’s game (Health and Safety Protocols) pic.twitter.com/WesMg9dQQK
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 13, 2021
It is unknown whether Williamson himself tested positive, or if his absence is the cause of contact tracing.
What is clear is how dire the situation has become for the NBA.
This week has already seen a number of postponements, including three games on Wednesday alone. Between injuries, positive tests and contact tracing, teams like the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards are having a hard time rostering the minimum eight players needed to play a game. The Pelicans also had a game postponed on Monday against the Mavericks.
The league issued an update to the Health and Safety Protocols after a call with the Board of Governors on Tuesday. This update mandates, among other things, limited interaction between teammates and opponents in addition to prohibiting guests when traveling. The NBA is also encouraging more mask-wearing by players and coaches on the bench.
Williamson's sophomore season had gotten off to a fast start. The former No. 1 overall pick was averaging 21.9 points and 8.1 rebounds through his first nine games, shooting 55.7 percent from the floor with slightly better advanced defensive metrics.
But the Pelicans have struggled out of the gate. New Orleans is 4-5 heading into Wednesday's matchup with the Clippers. Lonzo Ball has not been the kind of playmaker New Orleans hoped he might be, and J.J. Redick has often been replaced by Josh Hart. The Pels are fifth in defensive rating, but just 22nd in offensive rating.
Things could get that much more challenging on the offensive end of the floor if Williamson misses extended time.
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