New Orleans may finally be getting their franchise star back at a critical point in the season.
Zion Williamson has missed time with an ankle issue that halted his recent run of availability. Now he has publicly outlined when he believes he will return to the floor.
His update comes ahead of a matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers that carries weight for a struggling New Orleans Pelicans side.
Zion Williamson says he expects to return against Los Angeles
Zion Williamson missed his first game since December 11 because of an ankle injury, ending a 35-game streak during which he averaged 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for New Orleans.
The Pelicans lost by 20 points in his absence and sit at 19-43 in the Western Conference. Zion addressed his status directly when asked about the injury timeline in an ESPN interview.
“I expect to be back tomorrow against the Lakers.”
New Orleans have not formally confirmed his availability, but his statement signals confidence that he will suit up. The team needs his scoring presence as it approaches the final stretch of the season.
Pelicans star reflects on most difficult stretch of career
In the same appearance, Zion Williamson spoke about the toughest period of his NBA journey. Injuries have repeatedly disrupted his development since being drafted in 2019.
He identified his third season, when he missed the year with a broken foot, as the lowest point. That stretch also brought public criticism about his conditioning and long-term durability.
“The most difficult point was when I missed my third year with a broken foot. There was a lot of criticism on my weight, my care for the game. I was really low because I just wanted to play basketball.”
Williamson has appeared in 45 games this season and had played in 35 straight before the recent ankle issue.
A return against Los Angeles would restore the Pelicans’ leading scorer at a time when they are searching for stability.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
