Coach K: Zion Williamson Doubtful to Play Saturday vs. UNC

Zion Williamson's return is doubtful for Duke's game vs. UNC on Saturday.

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Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski is not certain freshman forward Zion Williamson will be ready to play in Saturday's game against rival North Carolina.

On Friday, Krzyzewski said Williamson has made progress in his recent workouts, but he still doesn't have a definitive return date for the forward.

"He had his first really good workout yesterday but not contact," Krzyzewski said, per The News & Observer. "He looked really good. He’ll have no contact again today. I would say he’s doubtful for tomorrow. But we’ll put it out tomorrow. We’re on a real good trend here. I’m excited about it."

Coach K added that he will decide by the end of the team's Saturday morning shootaround if Williamson will be in the lineup that night.

Williamson has not played since suffering a Grade 1 right knee sprain on Feb. 20 against UNC. He sustained the knee injury just over 30 seconds into the game when he lost possession of the ball and slipped, causing him to rip through his shoe. Duke listed Williamson as day-to-day the next day and has been cautious to not rush his return.

In 26 games this season, Williamson has averaged 21.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He is projected to be a possible No. 1 NBA draft pick.

No. 4 Duke travels to No. 3 UNC on Saturday, with tipoff slated for 6 p.m. ET. The ACC tournament starts on March 12 and Coach K sounded hopeful this week that Williamson will be ready by then.