Zion Williamson To Miss Pelicans’ First Trip To SLC
Oct 21, 2019, 3:36 PM
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up before a preseason game against the Utah Jazz at the Smoothie King Center on October 11, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Pelicans announced that No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson will miss six to eight weeks after having successful surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
Williamson is expected to make his NBA debut in January, which means he will miss the first meeting between the Jazz and Pelicans on Saturday, November 23 in Salt Lake City at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
He could be back in time to play the Jazz when they travel to New Orleans on Monday, January 6.
Update on Zion: pic.twitter.com/7Jn2jEdUVS
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 21, 2019
The loss of Williamson could mean more pressure on former Jazzman Derrick Favors, who was expected to start at center next to Williamson. The rookie had a team-high 26 points in the Pelicans preseason win over the Jazz on October 11.
New Orleans will open the 2019-20 season on Tuesday when they face the defending champion Toronto Raptors at 6 p.m. on TNT.
The Jazz will dodge another star player in the coming days when the Los Angeles Clippers come to town on Wednesday, October 30 at 8 p.m. at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Clippers will not have Paul George, who will miss the first 10 games of the season while recovering from shoulder surgery.
Utah will open their 2019-20 season at home on Wednesday when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7 p.m. on AT&T SportsNet.
