Duke's Zion Williamson Will Not Play vs. Syracuse on Saturday

Zion Williamson was listed day-to-day with a Grade 1 right knee sprain on Thursday.

Duke forward Zion Williamson will not play against Syracuse on Saturday as he continues to recover from a knee injury, the team announced Saturday.

Williamson was listed as day-to-day with a Grade 1 right knee sprain on Thursday, with the university saying he is "progressing as expected." The freshman suffered the injury just 30 seconds into Wednesday night's loss to UNC when he slipped after losing possession of the ball. Williamson ripped through the sole of his shoe and quickly grabbed his leg. He left the game and never returned.

After the game, coach Mike Krzyzewski described the injury as a "mild knee sprain." He added that the team was "very concerned about Zion" but they did not know more about a timeline for his return at the time.

Williamson is averaging 21.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 26 games this season. He is projected to go as a top pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

Duke (23–3) will travel to Syracuse to take on the Orange (18–8) on Saturday night at 6 p.m. ET.