MINNEAPOLIS — The New Orleans Pelicans have announced that their standout forward, Zion Williamson, will miss the upcoming game against Minnesota due to a bruised lower back. This decision comes just two days after he delivered an impressive performance, scoring 29 points while making 12 of his 16 shots. In that game, he also contributed eight rebounds and three steals, helping secure a win against the Timberwolves.
Williamson, who has frequently dealt with injuries throughout his career, missed 27 games earlier this season because of a strained left hamstring. Over the past six NBA seasons, Williamson, the top pick of the 2019 draft, has only participated in 214 games. In the current 2024-25 season, he has played in 30 games for the Pelicans, who are experiencing a challenging season. Notably, Williamson has achieved his first two career triple-doubles within the past three weeks. As a two-time All-Star, he averages 24.6 points and plays 28.6 minutes per game.
The Pelicans, currently ranked second-to-last in the Western Conference, have also been struggling with the absence of several key players. Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones, and Brandon Boston are all sidelined with long-term injuries, further impacting the team’s performance this season.