Zion Williamson was absent from the New Orleans Pelicans’ matchup against the Boston Celtics on Friday evening due to a gastrointestinal issue.

The talented forward has been sidelined for a significant portion of the season, having missed 36 out of 49 games. Since his return from a left hamstring injury, which caused him to be benched for 27 games, he managed to average 24.4 points and 7.8 rebounds over five games.

On Thursday, Williamson expressed that he was feeling fit enough to participate in the second half of the team’s back-to-back games, but the Pelicans opted to keep him out as a safety precaution, considering his previous hamstring issues. Notably, there was no indication on Thursday regarding his stomach ailment.

The Pelicans clarified that the illness was not related to COVID-19.