Pelicans Star Zion Williamson Suffers Ankle Injury During Victory Over Jazz

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson left Saturday night's game against Utah with a right ankle injury during the second quarter. The injury-prone All-Star had been playing in his 35th consecutive game, a career-high streak, before suffering what coaches called an ankle 'tweak.'

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson faces yet another injury concern after departing Saturday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter with a right ankle problem.

Team officials confirmed that Williamson would sit out the remainder of the contest due to the ankle issue, though the Pelicans managed to secure a 115-105 victory without their star player.

Acting head coach James Borrego described the situation as Williamson having “tweaked the ankle,” though he couldn’t immediately assess how serious the injury might be. “Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, and we’ll have him back out there very soon,” Borrego stated.

This marks another health concern for the frequently sidelined forward, who had already been absent for 16 contests this season due to different physical issues. Saturday’s game represented Williamson’s 35th consecutive appearance — a personal NBA record — stretching back to December 11, following a five-game absence caused by a right hip adductor strain.

During his limited time on the court against Utah, Williamson recorded four points, two assists, and one rebound across 11 minutes of action.

The former Duke standout, chosen first overall by New Orleans in the 2019 NBA Draft, has managed to participate in only 258 out of a possible 543 regular-season contests throughout his professional career. Prior to his current streak, he had never played more than 25 straight games, and he missed the complete 2021-22 campaign due to a fractured right foot.

New Orleans was already dealing with a shortened roster, playing without small forward Trey Murphy (right shoulder), center Yves Missi (left calf), and guard Dejounte Murray (reconditioning).