Blazers vs Pelicans: Zion Williamson's Game Status For Matchup Revealed

Matt Levine | Oct 25, 2024

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

When the Portland Trail Blazers take on the New Orleans Pelicans tonight, they will do so having to face off against star forward Zion Williamson in the lineup. He will be making his debut this year after sitting out the first game of the season.

Zion Williamson (illness) not listed on injury report for Friday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) October 24, 2024

The Pelicans were able to hold off the Chicago Bulls to open the year but they will gladly take back their best player for this matchup. Portland will have to figure out a way to deal with his physicality, otherwise, it could be a long night for them.

Williamson is coming off a strong season for New Orleans that saw him average 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and five assists per game. He also swiped 1.1 steals per game and shot 57 percent from the field.

He ended up getting hurt during the Pelicans' Play-in matchup last season and wasn't able to be with the team in the postseason. But he will be back for this game which means trouble for the Trail Blazers.

Portland will need to get off to a better start in this contest after they were blown out by the Golden State Warriors to open the season. The defense was especially troublesome against the Warriors so Portland will have to find a way to slow down the Pelicans.

In the game against the Warriors, all five starters for the Trail Blazers scored in double-figures. Portland accomplished this feat just two times all of last season so the offensive output seems a little more consistent already.

The Trail Blazers entered this season looking for growth and development but they also wanted to put a better product on the floor. The young players will need to show that they can do this and it starts with energy on the defensive end.

Head coach Chauncey Billups talked about his excitement level ahead of the season opener. The team knows they may not win a ton of games but the young core is ready to prove themselves.

“I’m ready. I’m excited. I really am,” Billups said. “I thought we had a good camp. Everybody is excited. Everybody’s happy.”

Having to play against the Pelicans tonight could be a good test as New Orleans is expected to compete for the postseason. They have multiple top-tier scoring options so it will be a nice challenge for the young Trail Blazers at home.

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