Pelicans rule out Zion Williamson with left foot contusion; Matkovic and Missi cleared to play
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The New Orleans Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson on Monday night when they face the Boston Celtics. Head coach Willie Green said the forward is dealing with a bone contusion in his left foot and has been ruled out of the matchup.
Williamson, the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, has battled a series of injuries throughout his career, appearing in just 214 regular-season games over his first six seasons. In two games this year, he is averaging 27.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 4.0 steals across 35.0 minutes. The Pelicans have dropped both contests by a combined 10 points but are plus-six while he is on the floor.
Green noted that Williamson was initially listed as questionable earlier in the day, suggesting the team views the issue as short-term. Still, the setback raises fresh concerns about the 24-year-old’s durability.
Injury updates and roster moves
• Second-year center Karlo Matkovic, sidelined for the first two games with lower-back spasms, will be available against Boston.
• Rookie first-round pick Yves Missi returns after missing one game due to a right ankle sprain.
• Veteran center DeAndre Jordan signed a one-year, minimum-salary contract on Friday; a league source confirmed the deal is fully guaranteed.
• The G League’s Birmingham Squadron, New Orleans’ affiliate, have added Jaden Springer to their roster. The 23-year-old guard made the Pelicans’ opening-night roster but was waived to create space for Jordan.
Source: Hoops Rumors
