One of the biggest names inside the NBA’s bubble at Walt Disney World will soon take to the court after a week-plus absence. Star New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson made his way back to Orlando late last week after leaving the bubble for eight days to deal with a family emergency.
Williamson has now cleared the protocols and will be on the practice court with the rest of his Pelicans team Tuesday evening.
Zion Williamson cleared from quarantine, set to return to practice
As noted in a separate report, Williamson will now be able to get two practices in before his Pelicans resume their season Thursday against the Utah Jazz. This is no small thing.
Zion Williamson’s historical regular season
The No. 1 pick was on pace to become the most efficient rookie scorer in NBA history when the season was suspended back on March 11. Williamson, 20, is averaging 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds on 59% shooting from the field in 19 games this season.
New Orleans currently sits at 28-36 on the season and 3.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. If New Orleans is within four games of that final spot after its final eight regular-season games are complete, the team will then take part in a play-in tournament.
Needless to say, it’s vital for Williamson to be ready to go on Thursday. As of right now, there’s no telling whether that will be the case.