Zion Williamson Set to Return Against Lakers After Ankle Scare
Zion Williamson is expected to return against the Lakers after missing one game with a sprained ankle. The Pelicans star upgraded to questionable and aims to continue his healthiest stretch in years.
Zion Williamson Provides Positive Injury Update
Zion Williamson is set to return to action when the New Orleans Pelicans face the Los Angeles Lakers.
The two-time All-Star missed Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to a sprained right ankle suffered versus the Utah Jazz. However, Williamson told ESPN he expects to suit up Tuesday.
“I expect to be back tomorrow against the Lakers,” Williamson said in an interview with Malika Andrews.
The Pelicans later upgraded him to questionable on the injury report, signaling optimism about his availability.
Ankle Injury Snaps Career-Best Streak
The ankle issue ended Williamson’s career-long run of 35 consecutive games. That streak marked the longest stretch of availability in his NBA career.
Before the setback, he had appeared in 45 games this season. Health has often limited his impact since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2019 draft out of Duke.
Interim coach James Borrego described the injury as a tweak and expressed hope it was nothing serious. Williamson had just four points in 11 minutes before exiting the Utah game, which New Orleans still won 115-105.
A Season Focused on Durability
Availability has been a defining storyline for Williamson. He played only 24 games as a rookie and missed the entire 2021-22 season with a broken foot. Although he has earned two All-Star selections, extended absences have slowed his momentum.
This year feels different. Williamson admitted he reflected on his preparation and recovery habits.
“I did look in the mirror,” he said. “Even if I felt like I was doing enough, there was more I could be doing.”
He credited his trainer for introducing new recovery methods. Those efforts appear to be paying off, as he has maintained consistent minutes throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
Why His Return Matters
Williamson is averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. His presence anchors a young Pelicans core that includes Trey Murphy III and other developing pieces.
New Orleans currently sits well outside the Western Conference playoff picture. Even so, the team hopes a healthy Williamson can spark a late-season push.
Facing the Lakers presents both a challenge and an opportunity. A strong performance could reaffirm his durability progress and boost team morale.
Conclusion
Zion Williamson’s expected return against the Lakers provides timely relief for New Orleans. After a brief ankle scare ended his career-best streak, the Pelicans star appears ready to resume his strong season. If he remains healthy, Williamson can continue reshaping the narrative around his availability and leadership.
FAQs
He suffered a sprained right ankle against the Utah Jazz
He expects to return and has been upgraded to questionable.
Williamson played a career-high 35 straight games before the injury.
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