NEWSLETTER
The wait is over!
NBA fans will finally get their first real taste of No. 1-overall draft pick Zion Williamson. According to Shams Charania, The New Orleans Pelicans rookie will make his NBA debut on January 22 when the Pels take on the San Antonio Spurs.
Pelicans No. 1 pick Zion Williamson is expected to make his season debut on Jan. 22 against San Antonio, David Griffin says.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 15, 2020
Many high-profile players have battled injury trouble over the course of this season, so getting Williamson on the court for his first taste of regular-season action will be a welcomed sight. The Pelicans currently sit second-to-last in the Western Conference at a record of 15-26, however (much like the Eastern Conference), they’re technically only four games back from a playoff spot. It’s hard to say whether Williamson can return and give them enough of a boost to strongly compete for postseason play, but he should certainly improve the team’s competitiveness moving forward.
Anyway, with his return scheduled for next week, Williamson should be in line to play the Chicago Bulls on Feburary 6. The Bulls already got smacked around by the Pelicans earlier this season in a 123-108 loss, so Williamson’s return doesn’t bode well for their chances this time around.
Not to mention, Williamson did play the Bulls during the preseason, and he absolutely dominated in the paint. The big man scored 29 points and was 12-13 from the field. With no Wendell Carter Jr. there to anchor the defense, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Williamson have himself a similar performance.
Regardless, Zion finally playing is great news for the NBA! Get excited!
