Jan 23, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) celebrates a basket with forward Naji Marshall (8) next Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) and center Walker Kessler (24) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Zion Williamson's Status for Pelicans vs Jazz

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Terry Kimble | Last updated Mar 2, 2025 11:30 AM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans continue their Mardi Gras road trip on Sunday evening, visiting the Utah Jazz. New Orleans split a two-game set with the Phoenix Suns on the road this week. Zion Williamson recorded his first-ever triple-double in the Pelican's victory on Thursday evening.

The Pelicans sat the two-time all-star the following night against the Suns, keeping Williamson in the return-to-court reconditioning plan instituted after his 27-game absence with a hamstring injury. The former No. 1 overall pick is still not playing in back-to-back games. New Orleans released their injury report for Sunday's game at Utah, and Williamson does not appear on it.

Five Pelicans players out for tomorrow’s game against the Jazz. #Pelicans | @MorrisBartLLC https://t.co/kywzYh9gKD
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 2, 2025

Zion's dominant play lately has him in the news for the right reasons. Williamson is averaging career-highs in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks while averaging over 24 points per game. New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green told reporters after his star forward's triple-double game how impactful he is on the court.

"It's a reminder to the NBA, to the fans, to everybody," Green said. "This is who he can be, night in and night out. That's what we're all striving to accomplish as a group. We're striving to get our best player on the floor."

First Career Triple Double for Zion

27 PTS
11 AST
10 REB#Pelicans pic.twitter.com/0F1CSaqO2W
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 28, 2025

A major part of his late resurgence is the tremendous shape he's transformed into. Williamson is reportedly down under 265 pounds, which is the lightest he's been since being drafted in 2019. A healthy Williamson next season is the team's only shot at competing in the Western Conference.

Tip-off for Sunday's game is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CST.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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