NBA Fans React To Zion Williamson News Before Bulls Game

Zion Williamson is dealing with an illness.

Mar 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

On Wednesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans will play their first game of the regular season when they host the Chicago Bulls.

For the game, the Pelicans could be without their best player, as Zion Williamson is dealing with an illness that caused him to miss practice.

Via Will Guillory of The Athletic: "Willie Green said Zion Williamson did not participate in today's practice due to an illness. He'll be a gametime decision for tomorrow's season opener.

Dejounte Murray will also be a gametime decision. The belief is he'll be back in New Orleans later today."

Willie Green said Zion Williamson did not participate in today's practice due to an illness. He'll be a gametime decision for tomorrow's season opener.

Dejounte Murray will also be a gametime decision. The belief is he'll be back in New Orleans later today.

— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) October 22, 2024

Many fans reacted to Williamson's status.

@Prophetprops1: "We can’t be doing this already"

We can’t be doing this already

— Prophet Props (@Prophetprops1) October 22, 2024

@ethanoffdabench: "Season hasn’t even started yet n he’s sitting 😭"

Season hasn’t even started yet n he’s sitting 😭

— 𝓫𝓮 𝓵𝓮𝓰𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓪𝓻𝔂 (@ethanoffdabench) October 22, 2024

@FrequentInhaler: "Pelicans basketball back baby"

Pelicans basketball back baby https://t.co/J1P6wZuFwC

— Cold Cheese (@FrequentInhaler) October 22, 2024

@Alexjakes8: "This Era of basketball player are better than the previous eras is what they’re saying. ok"

This Era of basketball player are better than the previous eras is what they’re saying. ok https://t.co/4wX0Mctbtd

— 💫Hendawg (@Alexjakes8) October 22, 2024

@RickEspositoJr: "You gotta be kidding me"

You gotta be kidding me

— Rick Esposito Jr (@RickEspositoJr) October 22, 2024

@Yung_Hamm: "BI the only reliable star but gets treated the worst"

BI the only reliable star but gets treated the worst

— Professor Hamm (@Yung_Hamm) October 22, 2024

Williamson finished last season with averages of 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 57.0% from the field and 33.3% from the three-point range in 70 games.

The two-time NBA All-Star is going into his sixth season in the league (all with New Orleans).

Oct 13, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles the basketball against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Following the Bulls, the Pelicans will play their second game on Friday evening when they visit the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon.

Last season, they were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs.