Duke basketball in NBA: Another injury bothering Zion Williamson

The Duke basketball product might miss out on a showdown with Jayson Tatum.

Matt Giles | Nov 18, 2022

Duke basketball in NBA: Another injury bothering Zion Williamson /

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Zion Williamson hasn't missed three straight games for the New Orleans Pelicans (9-6) this season. But that may change on Friday night, as the 22-year-old former Duke basketball one-and-done is still dealing with a right foot contusion that he suffered in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 119-106 home win over the Houston Rockets.

It's the same foot that Williamson fractured and underwent surgery to repair last year, causing the 2019 No. 1 overall draft pick and 2020-21 NBA All-Star to miss the entirety of the Pelicans' 2021-22 campaign.

According to a tweet on Thursday evening from The Athletic's Will Guillory, the Pelicans will again list Williamson as "questionable" for their home bout against the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics (12-3), including the premier NBA Blue Devil these days in 24-year-old forward Jayson Tatum, at 8:30 p.m. ET Friday.

The New Orleans Pelicans won their two games thus far this week despite Zion Williamson's absence, thanks partly to solid performances from another former Duke basketball one-and-done forward, 25-year-old Brandon Ingram, who has scored in double figures in all 11 of his outings this season.

A smoooth move to the basket by Brandon Ingram 😤

He's got 7 Q1 points so far on TNT. pic.twitter.com/RcbUXOYvLO
— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2022

Williamson, who has also played 11 games this go-round, is averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 32.2 minutes per game. Ingram is averaging 20.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 32.9 minutes per game.

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Published Nov 18, 2022

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.