NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been ruled out for Friday night’s game at the Memphis Grizzlies. Williamson sat out Monday night’s victory over Utah with a non-COVID illness and New Orleans announced on Thursday that he would remain out on Friday “due to return to play reconditioning from illness.”

The Utah Jazz haven't established much of a roster to move forward with, which makes them very open to a bold move.

Zion Williamson highlighted a 24-point, 14-rebound performance with an array of thunderous dunks during a dominant fourth-quarter stint, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Utah Jazz 136-123 on Friday night to open a two-game set.

Even with the Pelicans' quick start, Zion Williamson went into early foul trouble after picking up three fouls in the first quarter. The former No. 1 overall pick didn't let that deter him from dominating in the second half,

The New Orleans Pelicans continue to deal with significant injuries to key players ahead of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

For the first time in what has been a rough season, the New Orleans Pelicans have reeled off three consecutive victories.

January 22, 2020 was one of the most anticipated nights in New Orleans Pelicans' history. It was the night Zion Williamson made his NBA debut after being selected with the No. 1 draft pick the summer before.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots against Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. Credit ...

The Pelicans came back down 25 points and defeated the Jazz, and it was CJ McCollum who made franchise history during the win.

Zion Williamson has been ruled out for Friday night's Pelicans-Grizzlies game "due to return to play reconditioning from illness."

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