Zion Williamson's Playing Status for 76ers-Pelicans

*UPDATE: New Orleans Pelicans have announced that Zion Williamson has been suspended for Friday's game against the 76ers.

Earlier this week, the New Orleans Pelicans were fortunate to get a key contributor back in the mix as Zion Williamson was cleared to return from a long absence.

Ahead of their January 7 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Pelicans cleared Williamson to return to the court to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. The star forward checked in for 27 minutes. During that time, he produced 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block.

The Pelicans came up short against the Wolves with a seven-point loss. The defeat came after a two-game win streak for New Orleans.

Being that Williamson missed so much time this season, the Pelicans weren’t willing to throw him into the fire and keep him on the court for a long string of consecutive games just yet. When the Pelicans hosted the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back set, Williamson got the night off.

Zion Williamson has been officially declared available Tuesday night against the Timberwolves after missing two months because of a left hamstring strain. https://t.co/RNHZOd95r1
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 7, 2025

On Thursday, the Pelicans rested and traveled to Philadelphia. Barring any unexpected changes, Williamson is on pace to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.

According to the Pelicans’ injury report, Williamson is not listed. Therefore, he is available.

Zion Williamson 76er — Mar 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots against Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr (9) and center Mo Bamba (5) in the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

When the Pelicans fired up their season, Williamson wasn’t available until the second game. He played in five games in a row before missing an entire back-to-back set in early November.

Williamson played in the Pelicans’ November 6 outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers. That matchup would mark his last for nearly two months. Williamson was dealing with a hamstring strain.

Without their former No. 1 pick, the Pelicans have struggled mightily this year. While other injuries certainly contributed to the struggles, it’s clear there is a major difference with and without Zion on the floor. Without him, the Pelicans have gone 5-26 this season.

The Pelicans Have Questions vs. Sixers

With the veteran guard Dejounte Murray on the injury report for the night, the Pelicans could miss a key piece of their backcourt.

According to the official NBA injury report, Murray is dealing with multiple setbacks this week. Not only does he have a right shin contusion, but he’s dealing with right elbow tendonitis as well.

The Pelicans are operating with the idea that Murray is a 50/50 call for Friday night. He is listed as questionable as of Friday morning.

Herb Jones (right shoulder sprain) and Trey Murphy (left ankle sprain) are both listed as out for tomorrow's game in Philadelphia.

Dejounte Murray (right elbow soreness/right shin contusion) is questionable. Zion Williamson is no longer on the injury report.
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) January 9, 2025

Murray’s first stint in New Orleans got off to a rough start. After seeing the court for 29 minutes in the Pelicans’ season opener against the Chicago Bulls, Murray suffered a hand injury.

From the jump, the 28-year-old guard was staring at a long absence. From late October to late November, Murray was off the court. He missed 17 games in a row for the Pelicans.

On November 27, Murray returned to the court for a 25-minute shift against the Toronto Raptors. The Pelicans were in the midst of a notable losing streak at the time, and Murray’s presence didn’t help right away. In his first four games back, the Pelicans suffered four straight double-digit losses.

On a positive note, Murray has been available for the Pelicans’ last 20 games. The veteran guard is currently averaging 16 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. He’s still working on finding efficiency from the field, as Murray is averaging just 39 percent from the field and 26 percent from three.

More 76ers on SI

Philadelphia 76ers Release Jared McCain Update

Nick Nurse Provides Medical Update on KJ Martin

Will 76ers Make Critical Adjustment With Joel Embiid’s Plan?

Warriors’ Draymond Green Shares Encouraging Message for Joel Embiid

8-Time NBA All-Star's Interesting Statement on 76ers' Joel Embiid