UPDATE: Zion Williamson's Status For Pelicans-Timberwolves Game, 11/8

Zion Williamson will miss his second game of season for a very personal reason.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (4-2) will play the New Orleans Pelicans (4-3) without Zion Williamson on Wednesday night. Williamson is out for personal reasons, according the New Orleans Pelicans.  However, the speculation suggests that Zion's absence is due to the upcoming birth of his daughter. At the Pelicans' Media Day, he mentioned that her arrival was anticipated in November.

Nov 5, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) smiles after hitting a free throw against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Larry Robinson-USA TODAY Sports

PELICANS INJURY REPORT - 11/8/23

QUESTIONABLE

• Herb Jones (fibula)

OUT

• Zion Williamson (personal)
• CJ McCollum (partially collapsed lung)
• Trey Murphy III (left knee, partial meniscectomy),
• Jose Alvarado (right ankle sprain), and
• Naji Marshall (right knee contusion)

New Orleans is also without CJ McCollum, Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado, and Trey Murphy III, all recovering from injury. Herb Jones is listed as questionable for the game after injuring his fibula during Monday's loss to the Nuggets.

Without Williamson, the Pelicans will face the NBA's top-ranked defense in Minnesota. The T-Wolves are the best against opponents' points per game and field goal percentage.

Williamson is averaging 21.8 points and seven rebounds on 50.5% shooting. Zion had a career-high 42 points the last time he played against Minnesota last season. 

After tonight's game, New Orleans will continue their road trip to battle the Houston Rockets on Friday, Nov. 10.