The Pelicans have suspended forward Zion Williamson for one game for violating team policies. He will serve the suspension Friday night as New Orleans takes on the 76ers on the road in Philadelphia.
New Orleans heads into the game with a 7-31 record, and the team has played much of its games without Williamson. The 24-year-old forward has played in just seven games so far this season after missing time due to an illness and several hamstring injuries.
When Williamson has been able to suit up, he is averaging 22.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Williamson’s absence will be felt even more than usual Friday night, as his teammate Herbert Jones was diagnosed with a torn labrum earlier in the day and is out indefinitely, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Here is why Williamson was suspended for Friday’s game against the 76ers.
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Zion Williamson suspension
Williamson has been suspended one game by the Pelicans. As the suspension came from the team and not the league, there is no appeal process.
The New Orleans forward will miss Friday night’s game on the road against the 76ers. Williamson was late for the team’s flight to Philadelphia on Thursday, and this is the corresponding punishment.
Zion Williamson was late for Thursday’s team flight to Philadelphia, leading the Pelicans to suspend him for tonight’s game against the 76ers, sources said. https://t.co/sI5YHaouLr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 10, 2025
Assuming that he doesn’t violate any other team rules, Williamson is expected back Sunday for the Pelicans’ next game. New Orleans will continue its road trip with a matchup against the Celtics.
The problem for Williamson is that this is not an isolated incident. He has reportedly been late for multiple practices this season. Being late to the team flight on Thursday was just the latest time he has violated team rules, and New Orleans finally decided to take action.
Pelicans upcoming schedule
| Date | Opponent |
| January 10 | at 76ers |
| January 12 | at Celtics |
| January 14 | at Bulls |
| January 15 | vs. Mavericks |
| January 17 | vs. Jazz |
| January 20 | vs. Jazz |
